whine

/wain/

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Explanation of the Word "Whine"

Part of Speech:
- Noun: A complaint that is expressed in a sad or annoying way.
- Verb: To complain in a sad or high-pitched voice.

Definition:

1. As a Noun: A "whine" is a complaint that someone expresses in a way that sounds sad or annoying. For example, a child might whine because they don't want to do their homework.
2. As a Verb: To "whine" means to complain in a high-pitched or tearful voice. It can also mean to make a high, screeching noise, like the sound a machine might make.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "whine" when you want to describe someone complaining in a way that sounds sad or irritating.
• Use the verb form when talking about the action of complaining or making a high-pitched noise.

Examples:

• Noun: "The child's whine about not getting ice cream was hard to ignore."
• Verb: "She started to whine when I told her it was time to leave the park."

Advanced Usage:

• In informal contexts, you might use "whine" to describe any kind of persistent complaint, even if it's not in a high-pitched voice.
• In literature, "whine" can be used metaphorically to describe sounds that evoke a sense of discomfort or irritation.

Word Variants:

• Whined (verb): Past tense of whine (e.g., "He whined about his homework yesterday.")
• Whining (verb): Present participle (e.g., "Stop whining and help me.")
• Whiny (adjective): Describes someone who complains a lot (e.g., "She has a whiny voice.")

Different Meanings:

• Whine can also refer to a continuous, high-pitched noise, like the sound a car engine makes when it is not functioning properly.
  • Example: "My car engine makes a whining noise when I start it."

Synonyms:

• Complain
• Moan
• Grumble
• Whimper (though "whimper" often implies a softer, more vulnerable sound)

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "Whine about": To complain about something in a persistent way.

  • Example: "He always whines about his job."

• "Cry and whine": To complain or express unhappiness in an exaggerated way.

  • Example: "Whenever things don't go his way, he cries and whines."

Summary:

"Whine" is a versatile word that can describe both a type of complaint and a specific sound.

Academic

Noun

1. a complaint uttered in a plaintive whining way

Verb

1. complain whiningly
2. make a high-pitched, screeching noise
   • The door creaked when I opened it slowly
   • My car engine makes a whining noise
3. talk in a tearful manner
4. move with a whining sound
   • The bullets were whining past us

Synonyms

• whimper
• grizzle
• yammer
• yawp
• squeak
• screech
• creak
• screak
• skreak
• snivel