Plaintive

Pronunciation

• IPA: /pleɪntɪv/

Origin

From Old French plaintif ("aggrieved, lamenting"), from plainte ("lament, complaint"); see plaint.

Full definition of plaintive

Adjective

1. Sounding sorrowful, mournful or melancholic.
   A typically plaintive song from Radiohead.

Related terms

• plaint
• plaintiff