Plaintive

Characterized by a sorrowful or melancholy sound or quality; expressing or suggestive of suffering or grief. Often describes sounds, music, or vocalizations that evoke feelings of sadness, loss, or lament. The tone or mood it creates is typically one of gentle sorrow or complaint, not outright rage or despair. It can suggest a longing for something lost or a quiet expression of unhappiness. This word is often used in descriptions of artistic works, such as songs, poems, or paintings, to convey a specific emotional atmosphere.

Plaintive meaning with examples

• The plaintive cry of the lone wolf echoed through the silent, snow-covered forest, its mournful wail a haunting sound. It was a sound that spoke of solitude and a yearning for companionship, making any listener feel the loneliness.
• As she played her violin, the plaintive melody seemed to mirror her unspoken sadness. Each note was imbued with emotion, telling a story of love and loss that resonated within the room, leaving people in tears.
• The child's plaintive whimpers for his mother, awakened in the middle of the night, filled the hallway. His voice was small and vulnerable, conveying his feeling of fear and a need for comfort from his parents.
• The novel’s protagonist described the painting as having a plaintive expression on her face, a subtle sense of melancholy. The artist expertly captures the underlying sorrow of the subject and conveys a range of emotions.
• Even the upbeat song had a subtle, plaintive undercurrent, a touch of yearning that spoke of a bittersweet nostalgia. It was not outright sad, but it gently reminded of better times past that may never happen again.