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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Complain: Definition, Usage & Examples (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：express dissatisfaction (complain)

complain 🔊

/kəmˈpleɪn/

To say that you are unhappy, annoyed, or not satisfied about something or someone.

Person complaining to friend about bad weather, showing annoyed expression and pointing at phone.

express dissatisfaction 🔊

➕

/ɪkˈsprɛs dɪˌsætɪsˈfækʃən/

To verbally state one's unhappiness or annoyance about a situation or person.

📁 Category：Behaviors & Actions 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'complangere': com- (intensive) + plangere (to lament).

💡 Mnemonic

Complain combines 'com-' (together) and 'plain' (clear) — make your grievances clear together.

📖 Example

My friend always complains about the weather, saying it's either too hot or too rainy. 🔊 My friend frequently voices dissatisfaction about the weather, complaining it's too hot or rainy.

🔗 Collocations

complain about – to express dissatisfaction regarding

complain bitterly – to complain with strong resentment

complain loudly – to complain in a vocal manner

🔄 Synonyms

grumble (v.) – to complain in a low, muttered way

whine (v.) – to complain in a feeble or annoying way

moan (v.) – to complain or express unhappiness audibly

🚫 Antonyms

praise (v.) – to express approval or admiration

commend (v.) – to praise formally or officially

🌱 Derivatives

complaint (n.) – a statement expressing dissatisfaction

complainer (n.) – a person who complains frequently

📖 Cultural Story

Etymologically from Latin 'complangere', meaning to bewail. In modern usage, it's central to consumer rights, where complaining to authorities is a formal process.

Meaning 2：report a problem (complain)

complain 🔊

/kəmˈpleɪn/

To tell a person in authority, like a manager or official, about a problem so they can fix it.

Customer complaining at service counter about faulty electronic device to attentive staff member.

report a problem 🔊

➕

/rɪˈpɔːrt ə ˈprɒbləm/

To inform an authority figure about an issue in order to seek a solution or remedy.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

If the new headphones are faulty, you should complain to the customer service department for a replacement. 🔊 In case of defective headphones, it's advisable to report the issue to customer service for a replacement.

🔗 Collocations

complain to someone – to express a grievance to an authority

file a complaint – to formally submit a grievance

lodge a complaint – to make a formal complaint

🔄 Synonyms

report (v.) – to inform authorities about an issue

protest (v.) – to express strong objection formally

gripe (v.) – to complain persistently about something

🚫 Antonyms

accept (v.) – to receive without objection

tolerate (v.) – to endure without complaining

🌱 Derivatives

complaint (n.) – a formal statement of a grievance

complainant (n.) – a person who makes a formal complaint