plaintive cry crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below you'll find comprehensive solutions and explanations for the crossword clue "plaintive cry". We've gathered all possible answers, organized by letter count, to help you complete your puzzle with ease.
Solutions for "plaintive cry crossword clue" by Letter Count
3 Letters
SOB: A sudden, convulsive gasp made while weeping, often indicating sorrow or distress.
4 Letters
WAIL: A prolonged, high-pitched cry of pain, grief, or anger, reflecting a plaintive sound.
MOAN: A prolonged, low sound indicative of pain, grief, or distress, often expressing a plaintive state.
5 Letters
WHINE: A long, high-pitched complaining cry or sound, characteristic of a plaintive tone, often associated with a child or dog.
6 Letters
LAMENT: A passionate expression of grief or sorrow, often expressed as a mournful cry or song, fitting the 'plaintive cry' description.
More About "plaintive cry crossword clue"
The clue "plaintive cry" directs solvers towards words that describe a sound expressing sadness, suffering, or a sense of longing. The word "plaintive" itself comes from the Latin 'plangere', meaning 'to lament', which clearly signals a sorrowful or mournful quality to the cry. This clue can often appear in puzzles, hinting at both human expressions of grief and the sounds made by animals in distress.
When encountering such a clue, consider the emotional context it evokes. Is it a sound of physical pain, emotional sorrow, or perhaps a yearning? Crossword setters love to play on these nuances. The word length will be crucial in distinguishing between similar answers such as 'SOB' (a short, sharp cry) and 'LAMENT' (a more profound, prolonged expression of sorrow).
Understanding the synonyms for 'plaintive' (e.g., mournful, sorrowful, melancholy, wistful) can also unlock potential answers. Similarly, thinking about various types of 'cries' beyond just human ones – such as animal wails, yelps, or howls – can broaden your search for the correct solution.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Contextual Clues: Always look for other words in the clue. If it's "dog's plaintive cry," you know to narrow down to canine sounds like YELP or HOWL.
- Synonym Brainstorming: For clues involving emotions or specific types of sounds, brainstorm synonyms for the key words. For "plaintive cry," think of words related to sadness, sorrow, and different kinds of vocalizations.
- Letter Count is King: If you have multiple answers that seem to fit the definition, the number of letters indicated in the puzzle is your ultimate guide. Double-check your chosen word against the required length.
- Consider Parts of Speech: Ensure your answer matches the implied part of speech. 'Cry' can be a noun or a verb, which might influence whether you're looking for a state (WAIL) or an action (TO WAIL).
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'plaintive' mean in a crossword clue?
In crossword clues, 'plaintive' typically refers to something sounding sad, mournful, or expressing sorrow. It guides you towards answers related to sorrowful or doleful sounds, cries, or expressions.
Are animal sounds often used for 'cry' clues?
Yes, 'cry' clues can frequently refer to animal sounds, especially if the clue contains other indicators like 'dog's plaintive cry' or 'cat's cry'. Common answers might include HOWL, BARK, MEOW, or YELP, depending on the animal and the specific nuance of the cry.
How do I know the correct length for a crossword answer?
The length of a crossword answer is usually indicated by a number in parentheses or by the number of empty squares in the grid. If multiple answers fit, the number of letters is key to selecting the correct one for your puzzle.