repine

Meanings

1. 1
   verb

   literary: to feel or express discontent by complaining or fretting about an unwanted situation

   The reformers did not repine at temporary setbacks but continued to organize.

Probably formed in the sixteenth century from re- plus pine, 'to languish or suffer,' although the development is uncertain and may also reflect Middle English repinen, 'to grieve or trouble.' Its modern literary sense centers on fretful discontent.

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