plangent
UK: ˈplændʒənt | US: ˈplændʒənt
adj. (of a sound) loud, resonant, and often mournful
adj. emotionally expressive in a lamenting or plaintive way
The word "plangent" originates from the Latin verb plangere, meaning "to strike" or "to lament." The root plang- evolved to convey the idea of a striking or beating sound, often associated with mourning (e.g., the beating of one's chest in grief). The suffix -ent turns it into an adjective, describing something that emits such a sound—typically deep, resonant, and sorrowful. Over time, "plangent" expanded to describe any loud, reverberating noise with an emotional undertone, especially one evoking sadness.
The plangent toll of the funeral bell echoed across the silent village.
Her voice took on a plangent quality as she recounted the tragedy.
The cello’s plangent notes filled the concert hall with melancholy.
Waves crashed against the shore with a plangent roar under the stormy sky.
The poem’s plangent tone moved the audience to tears.