How to Pronounce Plaintive

To pronounce "plaintive", say PLAINT-iv-e — 3 syllables, IPA /ˈpleɪntɪv/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

plaintive

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Accent

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Speed

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3

Syllables

9

Letters

/ˈpleɪntɪv/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “plaintive”

"plaintive" has 3 syllables: plaint-iv-e.

What does plaintive mean?

adjective

  1. Sounding sorrowful, mournful or melancholic.

    “a typically plaintive song from Radiohead”

Hear “plaintive” in real sentences

Real example sentences from Tatoeba (CC-BY) — tap to hear each one, or see it used on YouGlish.

Related words

mournfulsorrowfulsadwailfulmoanfulelegiacdolefulsadful

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "plaintive"?▾

"Plaintive" has 3 syllables: plaint · iv · e.

What is the IPA transcription of "plaintive"?▾

The IPA transcription of "plaintive" is /ˈpleɪntɪv/.

What does "plaintive" mean?▾

Plaintive: Sounding sorrowful, mournful or melancholic.

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