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Repined Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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repined

[rษชหˆpaษชnd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

expressing dissatisfaction

Repined means to feel or express discontent or unhappiness about something. It often implies a brooding or complaining nature regarding a circumstance that one finds unfavorable or disappointing. The term suggests a low level of frustration rather than outright anger, highlighting a sense of longing or yearning for a more satisfactory situation. While it is not commonly used in contemporary language, it often appears in literary contexts.

Synonyms

complain, fret, languish, mourn.

Examples of usage

  • He repined about the lack of opportunities in his job.
  • She repined for the days when life was simpler.
  • They repined over the lost chances of youth.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Shakespeare used the term in his works to express deep emotional longing.
  • In poetry, feelings of repining often symbolize unfulfilled desires or nostalgia.
  • Classic writers like John Milton depicted characters who repine for lost freedoms or love.

Psychology

  • Feeling repined can lead to a state of melancholy, impacting mental health.
  • Studies show that longing for what one cannot have can be linked to anxiety and depression.
  • The emotion reflects a common human experience of desire and disappointment.

Cultural References

  • In art, repining is often depicted in characters who gaze longingly at unreachable beauty.
  • Many songs explore the theme of repining, often highlighting heartbreak or lost opportunities.
  • Cinemas often portray characters repining over decisions that lead to tragic outcomes.

Philosophy

  • Philosophers argue that repining can hinder present happiness, as it involves dwelling on the past.
  • Some schools of thought encourage mindfulness to counteract feelings of repining.
  • It raises questions about the nature of desire and satisfaction in human life.

Origin of 'repined'

Main points about word origin

  • 'Repine' comes from the Old French word 'repeiner,' which means to feel regret.
  • The prefix 're-' means again, combined with 'pine,' which means to long for something.
  • Its usage dates back to the Middle Ages, reflecting a mix of hope and sadness.

The word 'repined' originates from the Middle English term 'repinen', which itself derives from the Old French term 'repeiner'. It is composed of the prefix 're-' meaning 'again' and 'piner', which encompasses notions relating to pain or distress. The word has evolved over the centuries but has retained its core meaning related to dissatisfaction and unease. Originally, it conveyed a more active sense of mourning or lamenting, which has since transitioned into a more general expression of discontent. As language continued to develop, the term lost some of its frequency in everyday conversation but remains a valuable descriptor in literary and poetic contexts.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #39,910, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.