How do you pronounce "plaintive"?

In American English: /ˈpleɪntɪv/ (PLAYNT-iv). In British English: /plˈeɪntɪv/ (PL-aynt). In Canadian English: /ˈpleɪntɪv/ (PLAYNT-iv). In Australian English: /plˈeɪntɪv/ (PL-aynt).

Is "plaintive" pronounced differently in American and British English?

Yes. In American English it's pronounced /ˈpleɪntɪv/ (PLAYNT-iv), while in British English it's /plˈeɪntɪv/ (PL-aynt).

How to Pronounce "plaintive"

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plaintive

disputed

/ˈpleɪntɪv/

PLAYNT-iv

Syllable Breakdown

pleɪntplain·ɪvtive

Source

80%confidence📘 CMU Pronouncing Dictionary v0.7b

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Last updated: 2026-02-14