Is repine a common everyday word?

No. It is uncommon in speech and more often appears in literature or formal writing.

What is the difference between repine and complain?

Complain is direct and everyday. Repine means to feel quietly unhappy, without much open protest.

Can I use repine in IELTS writing?

Yes, but only in formal or literary contexts. It may sound unusual in ordinary academic writing.

← Dictionary

repine

/rɪˈpaɪn/

IELTSAcademic

verb

To feel unhappy, dissatisfied, or sad about something, often quietly and for a long time. It is a formal or literary word.

He repined at his bad luck.
She repined over missed opportunities.
Do not repine; try again tomorrow.

Adinary Nuance

Repine is more literary than complain or grumble. It suggests quiet, inward unhappiness rather than open criticism. Writers choose it when they want a sad, old-fashioned, or elevated tone.

In other languages

Vietnamese: than phiền
Spanish: lamentarse
Chinese: 抱怨
Japanese: 嘆く
Korean: 한탄하다

Etymology

Repine comes from Middle English and was formed with the prefix re- plus pine, meaning to waste away with grief. It has been used in English since the 14th century, mostly in formal or literary writing.

Common phrases

repine atrepine overdo not repine

Synonyms

lament grieve bemoan

Related words

complain mourn resent

Frequently asked questions

Is repine a common everyday word?: No. It is uncommon in speech and more often appears in literature or formal writing.
What is the difference between repine and complain?: Complain is direct and everyday. Repine means to feel quietly unhappy, without much open protest.
Can I use repine in IELTS writing?: Yes, but only in formal or literary contexts. It may sound unusual in ordinary academic writing.