Moaning Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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moaning

[ˈməʊnɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

expressing dissatisfaction or pain

Making a low sound of pain or discontent. It can also refer to complaining or grumbling about something.

Synonyms

complain, groan, grumble, whine.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
moaning	Used when someone repeatedly expresses dissatisfaction, especially in a slightly annoying or persistent way. This can be about something relatively minor. He was moaning about the weather all day. Stop moaning and start working on a solution!
complain	Used when someone expresses dissatisfaction or annoyance. This word is more neutral and can be used in both formal and informal contexts. She complained to the manager about the poor service. I often hear him complain about his job.
groan	Used when someone makes a deep sound expressing pain, despair, or disapproval. Often used to describe vocal reactions to something physically or emotionally uncomfortable. He groaned in pain after lifting the heavy box. The students groaned when they heard there was a surprise test.
whine	Used when someone complains in a high-pitched, annoying, or childlike way. This often has a negative connotation and suggests immaturity. The kids were whining about not getting any ice cream. He always whines whenever he has to do any chores.
grumble	Used when someone expresses their dissatisfaction in a low, muttering voice, often in a way that is more private or subdued. He grumbled about the long queue at the post office. She's always grumbling to herself about something.

Examples of usage

She was moaning with pain after the accident.
He kept moaning about his workload.
The wind moaned through the trees.
The dog moaned softly in its sleep.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

a low sound of pain or discontent

A prolonged, low sound indicating pain or dissatisfaction. It can also refer to a sound made by the wind or an animal.

Synonyms

complaining, groaning, lamenting, whining.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
moaning	Typically used when someone is making low, long sounds of pain or discomfort. Can also refer to expressing dissatisfaction in an annoying or repetitive manner. He was moaning in pain after he fell off the bike. She kept moaning about having to do the extra work.
groaning	Refers to making a deep, long sound often due to pain, despair, or exhaustion. It can also imply expressing disapproval or frustration. The patient was groaning in pain after the surgery. He groaned when he realized he had forgotten his keys.
whining	Usually refers to high-pitched complaining, typically considered annoying and often associated with children or immature behavior. Has a negative connotation. The child wouldn't stop whining about not getting a toy. I can't stand when he starts whining about minor inconveniences.
complaining	Used when someone is expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance about a situation or event in a straightforward and possibly persistent way. He is always complaining about the weather. She was complaining to the manager about the poor service.
lamenting	Used to express sorrow, grief, or regret, often in a more formal or poetic way. She was lamenting the loss of her childhood home. The old man lamented the passing of his wife.

Examples of usage

The moaning of the wounded soldier could be heard across the battlefield.
The eerie moaning of the wind in the abandoned house sent shivers down her spine.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Expressions

In music, moaning can convey deep emotions, often used in soul and blues genres to express heartache.
The act of moaning is frequently depicted in literature as a sign of despair, particularly in tragic narratives.
During various rituals around the world, moaning is used for cathartic release, linking sound to emotional healing.

Psychological Perspective

Moaning can be a way for individuals to process pain, acting as a coping mechanism during distress.
Some studies suggest that vocalizing sadness can alleviate feelings of sorrow and improve emotional states.
In therapeutic practices, encouraging clients to express their emotions vocally can facilitate healing.

Pop Culture

In many films, characters moan to express feelings, making it a recognizable sound in dramatic scenes.
Moaning has been used in comedy to highlight exaggerated expressions of discomfort or pain.
Popular songs often include moaning to evoke strong feelings, showing its emotional impact on listeners.

Literature

Classic literature often uses moaning to symbolize loss, echoing themes of sorrow and longing.
Poets have utilized the sound of moaning to create atmospheric tension in works depicting grief.
In Gothic novels, the sound of moaning is sometimes used to suggest the supernatural or unseen forces.

Origin of 'moaning'

Main points about word origin

The word comes from the Old English 'mānan,' meaning 'to lament' or 'to complain'.
The root of the word is related to the sound made by people when they express grief or discomfort.
Similar words can be found in other languages, such as the German 'mohren,' which relates to a similar expression of distress.

The word 'moaning' originated from the Middle English word 'manen', which meant to lament or express sorrow. Over time, it evolved to encompass both the sound of pain or discontent and the act of complaining. The usage of 'moaning' to describe sounds made by wind or animals also developed from its original meaning of expressing dissatisfaction.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,967, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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16965 alkalinity
16966 milky
16967 moaning
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16970 inflammable
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