Word Frequency
complain (kəmˈpleɪn
)
Definitions
verb
- to express resentment, displeasure, etc, esp habitually; grumble
- foll by of to state the presence of pain, illness, etc, esp in the hope of sympathy ⇒
she complained of a headache
Derived Forms
comˈplainer nouncomˈplainingly adverb
Word Origin
C14: from Old French complaindre, from Vulgar Latin complangere (unattested), from Latin com- (intensive) + plangere to bewailTranslations for 'complain'
- British English: complain If you complain about something, you say you are not satisfied with it.Miners have complained bitterly that the government did not fulfil their promises.The couple complained about the high cost of visiting the region.kəmˈpleɪn VERB
- Arabic: يَشْكو
- Brazilian Portuguese: reclamar
- Chinese: 抱怨
- Croatian: žaliti se
- Czech: stěžovat si
- Danish: klage
- Dutch: klagen
- European Spanish: quejarsereclamar
- Finnish: valittaa
- French: se plaindre
- German: beklagen (sich)
- Greek: παραπονιέμαι
- Italian: reclamare
- Japanese: 不平を言う
- Korean: 불평하다
- Norwegian: klage
- Polish: naskarżyć się skarżyć się
- Portuguese: reclamar
- Romanian: a se plânge
- Russian: жаловаться
- Spanish: quejarse
- Swedish: klaga
- Thai: ร้องทุกข์
- Turkish: yakınmak
- Ukrainian: скаржитися поскаржитися
- Vietnamese: phàn nàn
Example Sentences Including 'complain'
Alison did receive prompt treatment, and there was little to complain about in the health service throughout her illness.Glasgow Herald (2001)
At most, she thought, Muslims might phone the paper to complain.Globe and Mail (2003)
Critics complain the board is now too much the rubber stamp; that the union is now wagging the dog.Globe and Mail (2003)
First channel -- complain to a prison officer, tell him you need the form.The Scar
I think the fittest ones make most fuss - my Mother will live for ever, and complain daily.Lost Children
Mind you, I was going to ask if you could make me two tennis racquets, so I suppose I shouldn't complain.LIRAEL: DAUGHTER OF THE CLAYR (2001)
Mr Major yesterday telephoned Chancellor Kohl to complain about the Bundesbank's behaviour.LEND ME YOUR EARS (2003)
Only someone with a heart made of granite would find reason to complain.NME (New Musical Express) (2003)
There are a few moderately steep sections but nothing to complain about.Glasgow Herald (2001)
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