grumble about
phrasal verb·1 sense·particle about
Meanings
Complain quietly and continually
Why “about”? The mind stays with one subject. That subject is the focus of words or thoughts.
“She grumbled about the food.”
“She grumbled about the small portions.”
Test yourself
“She grumbled about the food.” 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
complain about
Same about pattern: topic
Express dissatisfaction concerning something
dream about
Same about pattern: topic
Have a dream featuring a subject
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