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Whine Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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whine

[waษชn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

complaining

To complain in a feeble or petulant way.

Synonyms

complain, grumble, moan.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
whine

Frequently used when someone is expressing discontent repetitively in a high-pitched or annoying voice, often seen negatively.

  • The child would whine every time he did not get his way.
  • Stop whining and do something about it.
complain

Commonly used when someone is expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance about a particular issue or situation, in a general sense.

  • She always complains about the weather.
  • He complained to the manager about the poor service.
moan

Often used when someone is expressing pain, discomfort, or dissatisfaction in a low, prolonged way, usually negative.

  • He moaned in pain after stubbing his toe.
  • They moaned about the long meeting.
grumble

Typically used when someone is expressing discontent in a low, muttering manner, often under their breath or not very loudly.

  • He grumbled about the long work hours.
  • She grumbled to herself as she did the chores.

Examples of usage

  • He spent the evening whining about his job.
  • She whined that she was tired and wanted to go home.
Context #2 | Noun

sound

A long, high-pitched complaining cry.

Synonyms

cry, sob, wail.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
whine

Used when someone is complaining in an annoying way, often over trivial matters. It has a negative connotation.

  • She tends to whine about every little inconvenience.
  • Stop whining and just get it done.
cry

General term for making tears when one is sad, angry, or experiencing intense emotion. It can be used in both serious and not-so-serious contexts.

  • The baby started to cry because he was hungry.
  • She couldn't help but cry at the touching movie scene.
wail

Used when someone is crying loudly and long, usually due to extreme pain or despair. It often involves a prolonged, high-pitched cry.

  • The child wailed when he fell and scraped his knee.
  • The wailing of the mourners filled the room.
sob

Refers to crying loudly with convulsive catching of the breath. It is usually associated with deep emotion like grief or sorrow.

  • He began to sob uncontrollably at the funeral.
  • She was sobbing after hearing the bad news.

Examples of usage

  • The dog let out a whine when it was left alone.
  • The child's whine could be heard from the next room.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Whining can be considered a form of expressing discomfort or dissatisfaction, often seeking attention or empathy from others.
  • Studies suggest that frequent whining, particularly in children, can be a learned behavior from parents or peers.
  • In psychological terms, whining can indicate frustration, and understanding this may help caregivers respond more effectively.

Pop Culture

  • The portrayal of whining is often exaggerated in media, seen in characters who constantly complain, highlighting societal perceptions of annoyance.
  • Whining is a recurring theme in many children's shows, used both for humor and to teach lessons about patience and communication.
  • Several popular songs feature themes of whining, often using it as a metaphor for heartache or unfulfilled desires.

Linguistics

  • In linguistics, whining is often characterized as a vocalization that conveys distress, similar to other vocal expressions in animals.
  • The intonation and pitch typically rise when someone is whining, which can cue listeners to take it seriously or dismiss it.
  • Different languages have varying words for whining, indicating cultural perceptions of this behavior and its acceptability.

Social Dynamics

  • Whining can impact social relationships, as it may be perceived as a sign of weakness or immaturity in adult interactions.
  • In group settings, excessive whining can lead to social isolation, as peers may seek to distance themselves from negativity.
  • The phenomenon of 'whining culture' has emerged in discussions about social media, where people feel comfortable expressing grievances openly.

Origin of 'whine'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'whine' has roots in Old English, originating from the word 'hwฤซnan,' which means to make a noise or to complain.
  • It appeared in English texts as early as the 14th century, indicating that the action of whining has been recognized for a long time.
  • The term evolved over time, solidifying its association with both sound and complaint in various contexts.

The word 'whine' originated in Middle English, derived from the Old English 'hwฤซnan', meaning 'to make a whizzing sound'. Over time, the meaning evolved to convey a sense of complaining or protest in a high-pitched tone. The verb 'whine' has been used in English since the 12th century, while the noun form dates back to the 14th century.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,703, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.