First Known Use: 1579
Dictionary
plaintive
adjective plain·tive \ˈplān-tiv\
: expressing suffering or sadness : having a sad sound
Full Definition of PLAINTIVE
: expressive of suffering or woe : melancholy <a plaintive sigh>
— plain·tive·ly adverb
— plain·tive·ness noun
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Origin of PLAINTIVE
Middle English plaintif grieving, from Anglo-French pleintif, plaintif, from plaint
PLAINTIVENESS Defined for Kids
plaintive
adjective plain·tive \ˈplān-tiv\
Definition of PLAINTIVE for Kids
: showing or suggesting sadness : mournful <a plaintive sigh>
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