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com·plain

complain

 
 
pronunciation:
km pleIn
features:
Word Combinations (verb), Word Explorer
part of speech: intransitive verb
inflections: complains, complaining, complained
definition 1: to express dissatisfaction, pain, grief, or other negative feelings.
She complained that the soup was cold.It was strange for the child to complain of a headache.The parents complained to the principal about the school lunches.The miners complained of unsafe conditions in the mines.
synonyms:
beef, bellyache, bitch, crab, fuss, grouse, grumble, holler, kick, moan, repine
similar words:
bemoan, carp, gripe, groan, grouch, lament, murmur, nag, squawk, wail, whine
definition 2: to express such negative feelings habitually or with inadequate cause.
The doctor found nothing wrong, but she lies in her bed and complains all day.
synonyms:
carp, gripe, nag, whine
similar words:
beef, bellyache, bitch, fuss, groan, grouch, grouse, kick, lament, moan, squawk
definition 3: in law, to make a formal charge.
The building committee complained to the landlord about the lack of heat in the apartments.
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derivations: complaining (adj.), complainer (n.)
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  sadness