complain

Pronunciation: /kəmˈpleɪn/

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: B1 — Intermediate

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. verb express complaints, discontent, displeasure, or unhappiness
  2. verb make a formal accusation; bring a formal charge

Etymology

From Middle English complaynen, from Old French complaindre, from Medieval Latin complangere (“to bewail, complain”), from Latin com- (“together”) + plangere (“to strike, beat, as the breast in extreme grief, bewail”); see plain, plaint.

In classic literature

Synonyms

kick, plain, sound off, quetch, kvetch

Semantic network

Narrower (hyponyms)
bleat, protest, gripe, nag, report, rail
Opposite (antonyms)
cheer

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