Plaintively

Plaintively describes something done or said in a way that expresses sorrow or melancholy; mournfully. It conveys a feeling of sadness, often accompanied by a suggestion of vulnerability or a plea for sympathy. The tone is usually gentle, conveying a sense of resignation or a longing for something lost or desired. The word implies a subdued expression of grief or complaint, avoiding overt displays of anger or dramatic outbursts. It suggests a quiet, understated sorrow or lament, often directed towards an individual or the universe itself, highlighting a deep sense of loss or disappointment. This emotive state is usually communicated through words, gestures, or even sounds.

Plaintively meaning with examples

• The lost puppy whimpered plaintively at the closed door, as if begging to be let back inside the warm house. Its soft cries echoed the loneliness it felt, expressing a longing for the comfort and security it knew before getting separated from its owner.
• Looking at the empty swing set, the old woman sighed plaintively. The absence of her grandchildren, who usually played there, was keenly felt, causing her to dwell on the fleeting nature of time and the changes it brought.
• The starving child reached out a hand plaintively, barely audible, and silently begged for a crumb of bread. His gaunt face and tear-filled eyes spoke more profoundly than any desperate cry for help he could have made.
• The violin solo rose and fell plaintively, capturing the heart of the audience. It recounted the trials and tribulations the composer went through, causing a shared experience between the artist and their fans.