complain
UK[kəmˈpleɪn]US[kəmˈpleɪn]
v
to say that you are annoyed, unhappy, or not satisfied about someone or something
v
to state that you are suffering from a pain or other problem
Morpheme Breakdown
com
plain
com
with
plain
to lament, beat (one
Etymology
The word 'complain' entered English in the late 14th century from the Old French 'complaindre', which itself descended from the Vulgar Latin 'complangere'. This Latin compound was formed by merging the intensive prefix 'com-' (thoroughly) with the verb 'plangere' (to lament, beat the breast). The original, vivid image was of striking oneself in grief or protest. Over centuries, the physical act of beating faded, leaving the core abstract sense of expressing grief, dissatisfaction, or pain. The modern spelling stabilized with 'plain', directly reflecting the phonetic shape of the French-derived root.
Analysis
Structure: com + plain
- com: Latin origin, a prefix meaning 'with', 'together', or 'intensively'. In this word, it acts as an intensifier.
- plain: From Latin 'plangere', meaning 'to lament, beat (one's breast)'. In the modern spelling, it appears as 'plain', functioning as the core root meaning 'to lament'.
Examples
Residents have a right to complain about noisy neighbours.
He went to the doctor complaining of chest pains.
If the service was so bad, why didn't you complain to the manager?