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plaintive (adj) a high sad cry.
A plaintive cry is a rather loud and sad cry, especially in a weak and complaining manner. A plaintive voice is a sad voice complaining about something. A plaintive note is a high sound expressing sorrow.
- The cry of some birds like the seagull is plaintive. They make a high sorrowful sound, as though they were crying.
- The crying of the young boy over the death of his father was plaintive. It was really moving to see the young boy crying so sadly and loudly.