plaintively.

In a sad, appealing tone that seems to ask for sympathy or help.

Use it for

Words that belong together

• cry plaintively
• ask plaintively

On the page

“Can't we stay a little longer?” the child asked plaintively.

Usage notes

Primary category: literary / elevated general. Forms: Invariable adverb. Legacy lexical fields mirror sense 1 only. Use numbered sense fields for all meanings. Established modern English lexical item. No separate regional spelling or grammatical inflection entry. Writing functions: character, description. Commonness: moderately common.