plaintive poem crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! If you're looking for solutions to the clue "plaintive poem," you've come to the right place. We provide the most accurate answers and detailed explanations to help you complete your puzzle quickly and efficiently.
Solutions for "plaintive poem crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
ELEGY: A poem of serious reflection, typically a lament for the dead. This is the most common and fitting answer for a plaintive poem.
6 Letters
LAMENT: While often a verb meaning to express sorrow, 'lament' can also refer to a non-narrative poem or song expressing grief or sorrow. It fits the 'plaintive' description well.
5 Letters
DIRGE: A mournful song, piece of music, or poem composed or performed for a funeral. Often associated with singing, but can be a poetic form as well.
More About "plaintive poem crossword clue"
The term "plaintive poem" typically refers to a work of poetry that expresses sorrow, melancholy, or a sense of lament. The most classic example, and a frequent crossword answer, is an ELEGY. Elegies are traditionally reflective and mournful poems, often composed in response to a death or a significant loss. They explore themes of grief, memory, and the transience of life, resonating with a deep sense of sadness.
Beyond elegies, other poetic forms can also be considered plaintive. A DIRGE, for instance, is a mournful song or hymn, often associated with funerals, but can sometimes refer to a poetic composition with a somber tone. Similarly, a LAMENT, whether a verbal expression of grief or a formal poetic structure, perfectly encapsulates the "plaintive" quality. Understanding these nuances helps in solving crosswords where the clue might accept variations based on letter count and specific context.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Count the Letters: Always start by counting the available spaces in the crossword grid. For "plaintive poem," both ELEGY (5 letters) and LAMENT (6 letters) are strong contenders, and the length will often be your primary guide.
- Consider Synonyms: Think of words synonymous with "plaintive," such as mournful, sorrowful, or melancholy, and then associate them with poetic forms. This can open up other possible answers.
- Cross-Reference: Use intersecting words to confirm your answer. If you're unsure between ELEGY and DIRGE for a 5-letter slot, the letters from crossing words will often reveal the correct choice.
- Familiarize with Poetic Terms: Crosswords frequently test knowledge of literary terms. Knowing common poetic forms like elegy, ode, sonnet, and ballad can be a huge asset.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is an elegy?
An elegy is a mournful or melancholic poem, usually written in response to a death, loss, or reflection on a serious subject. It often expresses feelings of sorrow, lamentation, or remembrance, making it a classic example of a 'plaintive poem'.
Are all plaintive poems elegies?
While elegies are a primary example of plaintive poems, the term 'plaintive poem' can broadly refer to any poetic work that expresses sorrow, melancholy, or a sense of lament. This could include dirges (often sung, but can be poetic), laments, or even certain lyrical poems with a mournful or sorrowful tone, not exclusively elegies.
How many letters is the answer ELEGY?
The word ELEGY has 5 letters. This is a common length for solutions to 'plaintive poem' clues in many crossword puzzles, so always check the number of blanks.