What is plaintively?

Plaintively is an adverb that describes someone or something that is expressing sadness, sorrow, or longing in a pleading or melancholic way. It often conveys a sense of emotional distress or desperation. For example, someone might speak plaintively when they are pleading for help or expressing their grief over a loss. Plaintive expressions can be conveyed through an individual's voice, facial expressions, or body language. The word plaintively is derived from the adjective plaintive, which means expressing sorrow or melancholy.