What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
plangorous
Example
The plangorous sound of the funeral bells echoed through the empty streets. [plangorous: adjective]
Example
The orchestra played a plangorous melody that brought tears to the audience's eyes. [plangorous: adjective]
plaintive
Example
The dog let out a plaintive howl when its owner left for work. [plaintive: adjective]
Example
The singer's plaintive voice captured the heartbreak of the song's lyrics. [plaintive: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Plaintive is more commonly used than plangorous in everyday language. Plaintive is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while plangorous is less common and has a more specific usage.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between plangorous and plaintive?
Plangorous is typically associated with a more formal and literary tone, while plaintive can be used in both formal and informal language.
