complain
UK: kəmˈpleɪn | US: kəmˈpleɪn
vi. to express dissatisfaction, pain, or resentment
vi. to make a formal accusation or protest
complain = com<together> + plain<lament>
- com: A Latin prefix meaning "together" or "with," often intensifying the root's meaning.
- plain: Derived from Latin plangere (to lament, beat the breast), evolving into Old French plaindre (to pity, lament). The root retains its core sense of vocalized grief or protest.
Etymology Origin:
The word "complain" originated in Middle English via Old French complaindre, combining the intensifying prefix com- with plaindre (to lament). The Latin root plangere (to strike, beat, or mourn aloud) reflects the physical and vocal expression of grief, which later generalized to verbal protests. The word’s evolution mirrors the human tendency to vocalize discontent collectively ("com-")—a linguistic echo of shared grievance.
She called to complain about the poor service.
Tourists often complain about the high prices.
He didn’t complain despite the pain.
The letter complains of unfair treatment.
Residents complained to the city about the noise.