Plaintive
hardNegative tonePLAYN-tiv
adjective
Definition
expressing sorrow or melancholy; mournful
Memory hook
PLAINTIVE: think of someone making a sorrowful comPLAINT, voice full of grief — a plaintive, mournful wail.
Word roots
Learning roots unlocks whole word families. Study common GRE root words.
Examples
“The plaintive cry of the loon echoed across the still lake at dusk.”
“She sang the old ballad in a plaintive tone that brought tears to the audience.”
Test yourself
Fill in the blank with the right word:
“The ______ cry of the loon echoed across the still lake at dusk.”
Show answer
plaintive
Synonyms
Antonyms
Categories
GRE Tip
Plaintive is a hard-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "mournful" or "sorrowful" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "cheerful".
Related GRE Words
consternation
A feeling of anxiety or dismay, typically at something unexpected
ebullient
overflowing with enthusiasm and high spirits
effusive
Expressing feelings of gratitude or pleasure in an unrestrained way
ennui
A feeling of listlessness and dissatisfaction arising from a lack of occupation or excitement
equanimity
mental calmness and composure, especially under stress
idolatry
excessive or blind devotion to someone or something
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