How Do You Spell COMPLAIN?

Pronunciation: [kəmplˈe͡ɪn] (IPA)

The word "complain" is spelled with a "pl" cluster followed by the vowel sound "ei". The /pl/ cluster is pronounced with the lips closing together and the air being released in a burst, followed by the vowel sound /eɪ/. The IPA phonetic transcription of "complain" is /kəmˈpleɪn/, with the primary stress on the second syllable. This word is commonly used to express dissatisfaction or grievances about something and it is important to spell it correctly to avoid confusion in communication.

COMPLAIN Meaning and Definition

  1. To complain is to express dissatisfaction, displeasure, or annoyance about something. It is an act of voicing personal grievances or objections, typically in a critical or negative manner. Complaining could involve expressing discontent or unhappiness regarding a situation, quality, or behavior. It often serves as a means to communicate dissatisfaction or seek resolution, often directing the expression towards others who may have the ability to address or rectify the issue.

    Complaining usually involves verbalizing one's discontent or writing down complaints, frequently emphasizing the negative aspects or shortcomings of a particular matter. This expression of dissatisfaction might arise from various aspects of life, such as work, personal relationships, products, services, or general circumstances. Complaints can vary greatly in intensity, ranging from minor grievances to more significant concerns or serious grievances.

    While complaining can serve as a way to communicate one's dissatisfaction or draw attention to problems, it is important to differentiate between constructive complaints aimed at improving a situation or rectifying an issue and complaints solely driven by constant negativity or habitual discontent. Constructive complaints offer suggestions for improvement, propose solutions, or aim to address grievances effectively, while incessant complaining may generate a negative atmosphere and hinder progress or resolution.

    Overall, complaining is a means of expressing dissatisfaction or discontentment, often with the aim of reaching resolution, improvements, or seeking acknowledgment of one's grievances.

  2. To utter expressions of grief, censure, resentment, uneasiness, or pain; to murmur; to find fault; to present an accusation against.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for COMPLAIN *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for COMPLAIN

Etymology of COMPLAIN

The word "complain" originated from the Old French verb "complaindre", which meant "to lament, bewail, or mourn". This Old French term, in turn, derived from the Latin word "complangere", consisting of the prefix "com-" (expressing intensive force) and "plangere" (meaning "to strike, beat the breast, or lament"). Over time, the sense of expressing sorrow or grief evolved into its modern meaning, expressing dissatisfaction, finding fault, or voicing grievances.

Idioms with the word COMPLAIN

  • complain to sm The definition of the idiom "complain to someone" is to express dissatisfaction, frustration, or discontent to a particular person about a situation, action, or behavior. It implies seeking resolution or voicing grievances directly to the individual or party responsible for the issue.
  • complain of sth The idiom "complain of something" means to express dissatisfaction or unhappiness about something, often by voicing grievances or criticism. It is used when someone speaks or complains about a particular issue, problem, discomfort, or negative experience they have encountered.
  • complain of (something) The idiom "complain of (something)" means expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance about a particular issue, problem, or discomfort. It refers to voicing complaints or grievances relating to a specific situation, condition, or experience.
  • complain to (someone or something) The idiom "complain to (someone or something)" refers to expressing dissatisfaction or grievances to a person or entity, usually in a formal or official manner. It involves voicing complaints or seeking resolution for a problem or injustice, typically addressing a specific individual or organization responsible for the issue at hand.
  • complain to someone The idiom "complain to someone" means to express dissatisfaction or discontent about a particular issue or situation to someone, usually seeking support, assistance, or resolution. It involves voicing concerns, grievances, or complaints to another person in order to share one's dissatisfaction.
  • can't complain. and nothing to complain about The idiom "can't complain" is an informal expression used to convey that everything is satisfactory or going well in one's life or situation. It implies that there are no major issues or reasons to voice complaints or dissatisfaction. Similarly, "nothing to complain about" means that there are no problems or grievances to express about a specific matter. Both idioms indicate contentment or the absence of concerns.
  • nothing to complain about The idiom "nothing to complain about" means that there is no reason to express dissatisfaction or find fault with a particular situation or thing. It implies that everything is good, satisfactory, or as desired, leaving no room for complaints or criticisms.
  • complain about sm or sth The idiom "complain about someone or something" means to express dissatisfaction or annoyance regarding someone or something. It involves voicing one's grievances, objections, or criticism towards a particular individual or situation.
  • complain about (someone or something) The idiom "complain about (someone or something)" means to express dissatisfaction or disapproval about someone or something by voicing one's grievances, objections, or criticisms. It involves expressing discontent or unhappiness about a particular person, situation, or thing.
  • can't complain The idiom "can't complain" means that the person has no significant issues or complaints about their current situation. It implies contentment or satisfaction with their circumstances.
  • (I) can't complain. and (I have) nothing to complain about. The idiom "(I) can't complain" or "(I have) nothing to complain about" is used to express contentment or satisfaction with one's current situation. It implies that there are no significant problems or issues to bring up or express discontentment about.
  • complain about The idiom "complain about" refers to expressing dissatisfaction or unhappiness about someone or something, often by voicing criticisms or objections. It involves conveying one's grievances or negative opinions about a specific issue or person.

Similar spelling words for COMPLAIN

Conjugate verb Complain

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have complained
you would have complained
he/she/it would have complained
we would have complained
they would have complained
I would have complain
you would have complain
he/she/it would have complain
we would have complain
they would have complain

CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE

I would have been complaining
you would have been complaining
he/she/it would have been complaining
we would have been complaining
they would have been complaining

CONDITIONAL PRESENT

I would complain
you would complain
he/she/it would complain
we would complain
they would complain

CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE

I would be complaining
you would be complaining
he/she/it would be complaining
we would be complaining
they would be complaining

FUTURE

I will complain
you will complain
he/she/it will complain
we will complain
they will complain

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be complaining
you will be complaining
he/she/it will be complaining
we will be complaining
they will be complaining

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have complained
you will have complained
he/she/it will have complained
we will have complained
they will have complained

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been complaining
you will have been complaining
he/she/it will have been complaining
we will have been complaining
they will have been complaining

IMPERATIVE

you complain
we let´s complain

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to complain

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was complaining
you were complaining
he/she/it was complaining
we were complaining
they were complaining

PAST PARTICIPLE

complained

PAST PERFECT

I had complained
you had complained
he/she/it had complained
we had complained
they had complained

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been complaining
you had been complaining
he/she/it had been complaining
we had been complaining
they had been complaining

PRESENT

I complain
you complain
he/she/it complains
we complain
they complain

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am complaining
you are complaining
he/she/it is complaining
we are complaining
they are complaining

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

complaining

PRESENT PERFECT

I have complained
you have complained
he/she/it has complained
we have complained
they have complained

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been complaining
you have been complaining
he/she/it has been complaining
we have been complaining
they have been complaining

PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE

he/she/it complain

SIMPLE PAST

I complained
you complained
he/she/it complained
we complained
they complained

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