What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
repined
Example
She repined about her lost opportunity for days. [repined: verb]
Example
He repined silently, not wanting to burden others with his problems. [repined: past tense]
complain
Example
She complained to the manager about the poor service. [complained: verb]
Example
He always complains about the traffic on his way to work. [complains: present tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Complain is more commonly used than repine in everyday language. Complain is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while repine is less common and more formal, often used in literary or poetic contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between repined and complain?
Repine is more formal than complain and is often used in literary or poetic contexts. Complain is more versatile and can be employed in various formality levels, allowing it to be used in both formal and informal contexts.
