complain about
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle about
Meanings
Express dissatisfaction concerning something
Why “about”? The mind stays with one subject. That subject is the focus of words or thoughts.
“He complained about the noise.”
“Nina complained to the waiter about the cold soup.”
Test yourself
“He complained about the noise.” What does it mean?
Nearby in the meaning map
Sink In connects verbs by particle pattern, contrast pairs, and shared base verbs.
agonise about
Same about pattern: topic
Worry intensely and at length over a decision
argue about
Same about pattern: topic
Disagree verbally concerning a topic
ask about
Same about pattern: topic
Make enquiries concerning something
boast about
Same about pattern: topic
Speak with excessive pride concerning something
bother about
Same about pattern: topic
Take the trouble to attend to something
care about
Same about pattern: topic
Feel concern or interest in something
dream about
Same about pattern: topic
Have a dream featuring a subject
grumble about
Same about pattern: topic
Complain quietly and continually
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