WordGarden.ioplaint
C2Pronunciation
UK
- /plˈeɪnt/
US
- /plˈeɪnt/
Meanings
Noun
a sorrowful complaint or expression of grief
Beyond the definition
A plaint is a sorrowful expression of sadness, grief, or longing. Think of a lonely voice in a sad song, or a soft cry after bad news. It is not just someone saying they are upset; it carries a hurt, mournful feeling. You might hear it in a ballad, in a prayer, or in words spoken from the heart.
The word comes from Old French plainte, meaning a lament. A plaint often feels deeply personal, as if the speaker is giving voice to pain that may not be answered.
A plaint is a sorrowful or mournful expression of grief, regret, or deep unhappiness. It is usually more emotional and poetic than an ordinary complaint. The word often suggests a cry, speech, or song shaped by pain, longing, or loss. Think of a slow sad melody, a grieving voice, or a heartfelt lament: each can have the quality of a plaint.
There is also a historical legal meaning. In some legal systems, a plaint was the formal written statement that began a case in court. That use is now uncommon in general English, but it shows the same core idea: a statement of hurt, wrong, or grievance.
You may also know the adjective plaintive, which describes something that sounds or feels full of sadness or longing. A plaintive melody or a plaintive cry has that same mournful tone.
This is not a common everyday word, but it still appears in poetry, older writing, and careful literary description. It is useful when simple words like "sadness" or "complaint" feel too flat. A plaint is sorrow given voice: something heard, spoken, or sung from a place of deep feeling.
Examples
- 1
Musical sound
A low plaint rose from the violin as the lights dimmed.
- 2
Poetry
In the poem, the speaker's plaint is addressed to a lover who has left.
- Usage
plaint is formal or literary; in everyday speech, people usually say complaint or cry
- 3
Public complaint
Her column returned again and again to the same plaint about rising rents and disappearing neighborhood shops.
See also
Forms and spellings
1 form open this card.
Main spelling
- plaintnoun