repine

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "repine" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express discontent or to long for something that one cannot have. Example: "Despite her success, she would often repine for the simpler days of her youth."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

He may not repine at this, since the quantitative approach to literary communication may safely be disregarded: the legend on a paperback cover FIVE MILLION COPIES SOLD says nothing about the worth of the book within.

Encyclopedia Britannica

If ever there was a time when the Queen-loving majority of this nation might benefit from sight of the old rock of strength, a little reassurance that complete constitutional and economic chaos, accompanied by political dereliction, is no reason to repine, a sign that not everyone who represents this country is a dolt, a rogue, or both, then this, surely, is it.

The Guardian - Opinion

The piece was made before Clark's career went into freefall in the 1990s with his much-publicised drug addiction and it's tempting to repine for the lost years and what might have been.

The Guardian

He did not repine, rating a good dinner higher than good intercourse.

The Guardian

Some aesthetes repine - but only for a moment - at the melancholy reflection that beauty is rooted in suffering.

The Guardian - Books

Giggs should not repine.

The Guardian - Sport

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

6 human-written examples

He worked as a map tracer only until he had been employed long enough to draw 15s 3dolele weekly, on which he repined in a rented room.

The Guardian - Books

Far from repining in the West, Rostropovich enjoyed something of a champagne lifestyle, with homes in Britain, Switzerland, France and the US.

The Guardian - Music

Maybe it was just the house I grew up in, but I always had trouble understanding why Robinson Crusoe repined and had such a hard time with his solitude.

The Guardian - Travel

Plenty of musicians have repined, at length, about the myriad hazards of life on the road: having to ditch family and friends for whole swaths of the year, sleeping on an endless string of unfamiliar beds (or, depending on one's station, on crumb-covered couches), eating more chicken fingers than anyone would consider reasonable.

The New Yorker

There seems to be little repining about this in France.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "repine" when you want to convey a sense of quiet dissatisfaction or longing for something that is difficult or impossible to obtain. It adds a touch of formality and introspection to your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "repine" when a stronger expression of grief or anger is more appropriate. "Repine" suggests a quiet, internal discontent, not an outward display of emotion.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "repine" is as an intransitive verb. It describes a state of discontent or sorrowful longing without requiring a direct object. Ludwig AI validates its correct and usable state.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Encyclopedias

23%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "repine" is a verb that signifies a state of discontent or sorrowful longing. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and appropriate for written English, though it is not frequently used in contemporary conversation. It is most commonly found in News & Media, Encyclopedias and Science, and should be employed when a writer intends to convey a sense of quiet dissatisfaction. While usable, consider alternatives such as "lament", "complain", or "grieve" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

lament

Expresses sorrow or regret, similar to repining, but can be more outwardly expressive.

complain

Focuses on expressing dissatisfaction or grievance, a component of repining.

grieve

Implies deep sorrow or mourning, a more intense form of repining.

grumble

Suggests a low, indistinct complaint, a milder form of repining.

moan

Emphasizes a drawn-out, mournful sound of suffering, related to the feeling of repining.

resent

Highlights the feeling of bitterness and indignation, a possible cause of repining.

be bitter

Focuses on the feeling of resentment and cynicism, similar to the negative emotions in repining.

long for

Expresses a strong desire or yearning, often for something unattainable, which can lead to repining.

yearn

Implies a deep and persistent desire, similar to longing for something that causes one to repine.

rue

Expresses regret or sorrow, often for a past action or event, similar to repining over something.

FAQs

How to use "repine" in a sentence?

You can use "repine" to express a feeling of discontent or longing for something. For example: "He did not "repine", rating a good dinner higher than good intercourse."

What can I say instead of "repine"?

You can use alternatives like "lament", "complain", or "grieve" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "repine" or "pine"?

"Repine" and "pine" are related but have slightly different meanings. "Pine" means to yearn deeply, while "repine" suggests discontent or complaining. While they can sometimes be used interchangeably, "repine" carries a stronger connotation of dissatisfaction.

What's the difference between "repine" and "regret"?

"Regret" is a more general term for feeling sorrow or remorse about something. "Repine" implies a more persistent state of discontent or longing, often for something unattainable. You might "regret" a specific action, but "repine" over a situation.