What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
plaintively
Example
She sang the song plaintively, her voice full of emotion. [plaintively: adverb]
Example
The dog howled plaintively when its owner left the house. [plaintively: adverb]
sadly
Example
Sadly, we had to cancel our vacation due to unforeseen circumstances. [sadly: adverb]
Example
He spoke sadly about the loss of his friend. [sadly: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sadly is more commonly used than plaintively in everyday language. Sadly is a more versatile word that can be used in various contexts, while plaintively is less common and more formal, often used in literature or poetry.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between plaintively and sadly?
Plaintively is typically associated with a more formal or literary tone, while sadly is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
