What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
repine
Example
She would often repine about her missed opportunities in life. [repine: verb]
Example
He sat alone, repining over his recent breakup. [repining: gerund or present participle]
whine
Example
The dog whined at the door to be let outside. [whined: past tense]
Example
Stop whining about your job and do something to change it. [whining: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Whine is more commonly used than repine in everyday language. Whine is often used to describe a persistent and annoying expression of dissatisfaction, while repine is less common and used to describe a more thoughtful and introspective expression of dissatisfaction.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between repine and whine?
While repine is typically associated with a more formal and literary tone, whine is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
