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Complainant: meaning, definitions and examples

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complainant

 

[kəmˈpleɪnənt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

legal term

A person who brings a legal action against someone else, often referred to as the plaintiff.

Synonyms

accuser, petitioner, plaintiff.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
complainant

This term is often used in legal contexts to refer to someone who makes a formal complaint, especially in a criminal case.

  • The complainant reported the theft to the police.
  • In the courtroom, the complainant described the events leading up to the incident.
plaintiff

The term 'plaintiff' is specifically used in civil law to refer to the person who brings a lawsuit against another party.

  • The plaintiff is seeking damages for breach of contract.
  • In this case, the plaintiff claims they were wrongfully terminated.
accuser

Use this term to refer to someone who claims that another person has done something wrong. It can be used in legal settings or more general situations.

  • The accuser provided evidence to support their allegations.
  • The accused faced his accuser in court.
petitioner

This word is used for someone who pleads or makes a formal request, especially in a legal context. It is often used in the context of petitions for divorce or immigration.

  • The petitioner filed for a divorce last month.
  • As a petitioner, you must provide all necessary documents to the court.

Examples of usage

  • The complainant alleged that the defendant breached the contract.
  • The complainant filed a lawsuit against the company for discrimination.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Latin 'complainare', which means 'to lament' or 'to express grief'.
  • In the 14th century, it was first used in English, showing a gradual shift towards legal contexts.
  • It has evolved over time to specifically refer to someone who formally alleges wrongdoing.

Legal Context

  • In legal terms, a complainant is often the person bringing a case to court, claiming harm or injustice.
  • Complainants play a critical role in civil and criminal law, as their statements often lead to investigations.
  • The term is often contrasted with the defendant, who is the person being accused or taken to court.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In some cultures, expressing grievances or lodging complaints is seen as an important aspect of community justice.
  • The perception of a complainant can vary; they may be viewed as a whistleblower or as disruptive, depending on the context.
  • Cultural norms can influence how complaints are received, with some societies valuing harmony over expression of dissatisfaction.

Psychology

  • Research shows that voicing complaints can be a healthy way to cope with stress and seek resolution.
  • Complainants can often experience relief after stating their concerns, providing emotional closure or motivation for change.
  • Not all complaints lead to positive outcomes; sometimes they can increase feelings of frustration if ignored.

Pop Culture

  • The figure of the complainant often appears in movies and books, representing the fight against injustice or bureaucracy.
  • In comedy, complainants are often portrayed humorously, emphasizing the ridiculousness of certain complaints.
  • Public figures have raised awareness about complainants in social issues through media, often fueling societal debates.

Translations

Translations of the word "complainant" in other languages:

🇵🇹 queixoso

🇮🇳 शिकायतकर्ता

🇩🇪 Kläger

🇮🇩 pengadu

🇺🇦 скаржник

🇵🇱 skarżący

🇯🇵 原告 (げんこく)

🇫🇷 plaignant

🇪🇸 demandante

🇹🇷 şikayetçi

🇰🇷 원고

🇸🇦 المدعي

🇨🇿 stěžovatel

🇸🇰 sťažovateľ

🇨🇳 原告 (yuángào)

🇸🇮 tožnik

🇮🇸 kvartandi

🇰🇿 шағымданушы

🇬🇪 მჩივანი (mchivani)

🇦🇿 şikayətçi

🇲🇽 demandante

Word Frequency Rank

At #5,753 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.