Identify the word closest in meaning to the word Plaintive-
Answer & explanation
Correct answer: option 3
The correct answer is Option (3) → Mournful
- Plaintive means sounding sad and sorrowful, as a cry or a song may be.
Example: We heard the plaintive cry of a lost kitten. - Mournful means full of sorrow; expressing grief. A plaintive sound is a mournful sound, so the two are synonyms.
Example: The flute played a mournful tune at the memorial.
Why the Other Options are Incorrect?
Option 1: Joyful — Incorrect. Joyful means full of happiness, the opposite of plaintive.
Example: The village was joyful after the harvest.
Option 2: Peaceful — Incorrect. Peaceful means calm and quiet; it carries no sadness.
Example: We spent a peaceful evening by the lake.
Option 4: Triumphant — Incorrect. Triumphant means proud and happy after a victory; it is far from a sorrowful tone.
Example: The triumphant team lifted the trophy.
| Synonyms (Plaintive) | Antonyms (Plaintive) |
|---|---|
| mournful | joyful |
| sorrowful | cheerful |
| doleful | merry |
| melancholy | happy |
The following words have also been asked in other CUET (UG) English papers:
| Word | 2026 | 2025 | 2024 | 2023 | 2022 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| mournful | – | 31-05 S1 | – | – | – |