repining

USAGE SUMMARY

The part of the phrase "repining" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing feelings of sadness, discontent, or longing for something that is lost or unattainable. Example: "She spent her days repining for the life she once had, unable to move forward."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

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

There seems to be little repining about this in France.

The New York Times

Above all, however, suffering is defeated in the simple fact that it is borne with good grace — that we refuse to submit to the temptation to descend into repining and bitterness, and resolve instead to continue in hope.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

9 human-written examples

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 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

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

Giggs should not repine.

The Guardian - Sport

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

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

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the formality of your context. "Repining" is not typically used in casual conversation; reserve it for more formal writing or when aiming for a literary effect.

Common error

Avoid using "repining" as a direct substitute for simply complaining. "Repining" carries a deeper sense of sorrowful longing, whereas complaining often expresses immediate dissatisfaction.

Linguistic Context

The word "repining" functions primarily as a verb (present participle of "repine") or a noun. Ludwig AI confirms that in examples provided the word can act as a descriptor of a state of discontent, or as the act of expressing such discontent.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "repining" describes a state of sorrowful discontent or longing. While grammatically correct, as Ludwig AI confirms, its usage is relatively uncommon, primarily appearing in news media, encyclopedias, and scientific texts. When writing, use "repining" to evoke a sense of quiet, persistent sorrow, but be mindful of its formal tone. Consider alternatives like "lamenting" or ""pining"" to express similar sentiments in different contexts. Avoid confusing it with simple complaining, as "repining" carries a deeper sense of longing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

pining

Implies a deep and persistent longing, often for someone or something unattainable, very close in meaning to "repining".

regretting

Directly expresses a feeling of sorrow or disappointment over something done or left undone, while "repining" can involve a more passive longing.

lamenting

Focuses on expressing sorrow or grief aloud, differing from "repining" which can be more internal.

languishing

Describes a state of weakening or decline, often due to longing or unfulfilled desires, aligning closely with the sense of "repining".

yearning

Focuses on a strong desire or longing, which is a key aspect of "repining", but without the negative connotation of discontent.

grieving

Emphasizes the experience of sorrow, often after a loss, unlike "repining" which can apply to unrealized desires.

mourning

Similar to grieving, but often associated with a more formal or prolonged period of sorrow, whereas "repining" can be a passing feeling.

wistful thinking

Involves a melancholic longing or yearning for something that is lost or unattainable, reflecting the sorrowful aspect of "repining".

brooding

Suggests a deep and often resentful contemplation, which can be a component of "repining" but is more intense.

sulking

Implies a silent resentment or bad mood, often due to disappointment, whereas "repining" can be a more profound feeling of discontent.

FAQs

How can I use "repining" in a sentence?

You can use "repining" to describe a state of discontent or longing. For example, "She spent her days "pining" and repining for her lost youth" or "There was little "complaining" or repining about the situation".

What words are similar to "repining"?

Similar words include "lamenting", "grieving", "mourning", "regretting", and ""pining"", all expressing forms of sorrow or longing.

What is the difference between "repining" and "complaining"?

"Repining" suggests a deeper, more sorrowful longing or discontent, often for something lost or unattainable. "Complaining", on the other hand, typically involves expressing immediate dissatisfaction or grievances.

Is "repining" a formal word?

Yes, "repining" is generally considered a formal word, more suited for literary or formal writing than casual conversation. It carries a somewhat old-fashioned or elegant tone.