plangent
adjective
Having a loud, reverberating sound, especially one that is mournful or melancholic; expressing sorrow through sound.
Etymology
From Latin "plangens," present participle of "plangere" (to beat the breast in grief, to lament). Originally described the sounds of mourning rituals.
Examples in Use
- 1.
"The plangent notes of the cello echoed through the empty hall."
- 2.
"Fog horns sent their plangent warnings across the harbor."
- 3.
"Her plangent voice conveyed the poem's deep sense of loss."
Related Vocabulary
Synonyms
Related Words
Fun Fact
Ancient cultures practiced ritualized mourning with plangent sounds—professional mourners would beat their chests and wail at funerals. This practice persists in some Mediterranean and Middle Eastern traditions today.
Word Game Tips
Letters: 8 letters (P, L, A, N, G, E, N, T)
Scrabble Value: 11 points
Tip: Look for common letter combinations like "PL" at the start of words.
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