complaint

Everyday

1. A statement that something is wrong or not good enough. tree →
2. A reason for being unhappy. tree →
3. An official report that someone did something wrong (make a complaint). tree →
4. An illness or health problem (a skin complaint). tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life: complain to a shop, write a letter of complaint. In English lessons: writing a formal complaint letter. Health: «a common complaint» is a common illness. Phrases: make/file a complaint, letter of complaint, no complaints.

Examples

• We made a complaint about the broken toy. tree →
• Mum wrote a letter of complaint to the bus company. tree →
• My only complaint is that the film was too short. tree →
• The doctor treated her skin complaint. tree →
• Any complaints should go to the head teacher. tree →
• No complaints — dinner was great! tree →
• "Now, I'm tired of these complaints," said the Fire-drum. tree →

Note

Verb: complain (to complain about something). Spelling: complai-nt. Not «complain» as a noun. Complement/compliment are different words.

In Jewish tradition

A heartfelt speech of trouble and grief, especially laid before God.

Interpretation. Poured out before God, complaints in Psalms are seen as prayer, and the tradition values bringing even anguish to God directly.

Examples

• As for me, is my complaint to man? (Writings JOB.21.4, JPS 1917) tree →
• I pour out my complaint before Him, I declare before Him my trouble; (Writings PSA.142.3, JPS 1917) tree →
• When I say: 'My bed shall comfort me, my couch shall ease my complaint'; (Writings JOB.7.13, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

Verb: complain (to complain about something). Spelling: complai-nt. Not «complain» as a noun. Complement/compliment are different words.