| Library / English Dictionary |
COMPLAINING
| Pronunciation (US): |  | (GB): | |
I. (adjective)
Sense 1
Meaning:
Expressing pain or dissatisfaction of resentment
Example:
a complaining boss
Synonyms:
complaining; complaintive
Classified under:
Similar:
fretful; querulous; whiney; whiny (habitually complaining)
protestant (protesting)
Antonym:
uncomplaining (not complaining)
II. (verb)
Sense 1
-ing form of the verb complain
Context examples:
“I remember the ‘Forge.’ Filled with pretty sentiments and an almighty faith in human illusions. By the way, Mr. Van Weyden, you’d better look in on Cooky. He’s complaining and restless.”
(The Sea-Wolf, by Jack London)
I proposed to her to walk out with me; but Mrs. Heep repeatedly complaining that she was worse, Agnes charitably remained within, to bear her company.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
It is not worth complaining about; but to be sure the poor old dowager could not have died at a worse time; and it is impossible to help wishing that the news could have been suppressed for just the three days we wanted.
(Mansfield Park, by Jane Austen)
I'm sure Aunt March is a regular Old Man of the Sea to me, but I suppose when I've learned to carry her without complaining, she will tumble off, or get so light that I shan't mind her.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
She was constantly complaining of the cold, and of its occasioning a visitation in her back which she called “the creeps”.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
So they agreed to stop complaining, to enjoy the blessings already possessed, and try to deserve them, lest they should be taken away entirely, instead of increased, and I believe they were never disappointed or sorry that they took the old woman's advice.
(Little Women, by Louisa May Alcott)
I complain that you really are a little unnatural towards your own family; and, as it is of no use complaining to you.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
As he was in the habit of complaining of pains in his head—he had naturally a short throat, and I do seriously believe he over-starched himself—I was at first alarmed by the idea that he was not quite right in that direction; but he soon relieved my uneasiness.
(David Copperfield, by Charles Dickens)
