Plaintive

Adjective

Definition: Expressing sorrow or sadness; mournful.

Synonyms: Mournful, Melancholy, Sorrowful, Woeful, Doleful

Antonyms: Joyful, Cheerful, Exuberant

Examples:

The plaintive melody of the violin brought tears to her eyes.
He let out a plaintive cry for help.

Mnemonics:

Think of plaintive as "plain" + "tive," resembling a plain or simple expression of sorrow or sadness.
Imagine a plaintive tone in someone's voice, filled with sadness.

Etymology:

Origin:

The word "plaintive" comes from the Latin word "plangere," which means "to strike the breast in lamentation" or "to mourn."

Historical Usage:

The word has been used in English since the mid-15th century to describe something that evokes or expresses sorrow or sadness.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"A plaintive wail"

Explanation:

Used to describe a mournful or sorrowful cry or sound that expresses deep sadness or grief.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Using "plaintive" interchangeably with "complaining" or "whining."

Explanation:

While both words may convey a tone of discontent or sadness, "plaintive" specifically refers to a mournful or sorrowful expression, rather than simply complaining or whining.