complaint
UK[kəmˈpleɪnt]US[kəmˈpleɪnt]
n
a statement that something is wrong or not satisfactory.
n
a reason for being dissatisfied.
n
a minor illness or physical problem.
Morpheme Breakdown
com
plaint
com
together, thoroughly
plaint
lament
Etymology
the word 'complaint' originates from the old french 'complainte', a noun derived from the verb 'complaindre', meaning 'to lament'. this old french term is built upon the latin components 'com-', an intensifying prefix, and 'plangere', meaning 'to strike, beat the breast, lament'. the semantic journey moved from the physical act of beating one's chest in grief to the vocal expression of sorrow or distress. in modern english, this evolved further to specifically denote the expression of dissatisfaction, grievance, or a minor ailment, metaphorically extending the concept of 'lamenting' one's circumstances.
Analysis
Structure: com (together, thoroughly) + plaint (lament)
- com: a latin prefix meaning 'together, with, thoroughly'. in this context, it intensifies the meaning of the root.
- plaint: from latin 'planctus', meaning 'a beating of the breast, lamentation'. it functions as the core root conveying the sense of expressing grief or distress.
Examples
she filed a formal complaint about the noisy construction work.
his main complaint was the lack of clear communication from the management.
the patient came to the doctor with a complaint of persistent back pain.