The word "repine" (/rɪˈpaɪn/) is a verb that means to feel discontent or sorrow about something. The spelling of this word may appear confusing to some, as it contains the silent "e" at the end. However, this "e" serves a purpose to indicate the long "i" sound in the first syllable. The pronunciation of the vowel sounds in "repine" is similar to "pine", but with a slight emphasis on the "re" syllable.
Repine (verb): re-pine
Etymology: From Middle English repinen, from Old French repiner, from Latin repugnāre ("to resist, to fight against"), from re- ("back, again") + pugnāre ("to fight").
Definition:
1. To feel discontent, dissatisfaction, or unhappiness, often with one's circumstances or situation.
2. To express one's discontent or unhappiness with something; to complain or grumble.
3. To pine or yearn for something unattainable or lost; to feel longing or sadness for the absence of something desirable or cherished.
Usage:
1. Despite his luxurious lifestyle, she would often repine about the lack of meaning and purpose in her life.
2. The employees began to repine about the excessive workload and the lack of recognition or rewards.
3. She couldn't help but repine over the loss of her beloved pet; the house felt empty without it.
4. In her old age, she would often repine for the carefree days of her youth, filled with laughter and joy.
Synonyms: complain, grumble, gripe, moan, lament, bemoan, mourn, grieve, yearn.
Antonyms: rejoice, delight, content, satisfaction, happiness, accept.
To feel a discontent which preys on the spirits; to fret one's self; to be discontented; to murmur.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "repine" derives from the Middle English term "repinen", which has its origins in the Old English word "reprīnan". In turn, "reprīnan" stems from the Old English verb "re-" meaning "again" or "back" and "prīnan" meaning "to press" or "to press hard". Over time, the meaning of "reprīnan" evolved to convey a sense of complaining or expressing discontent. This evolution led to the contemporary meaning of "repine", which refers to dwelling on discontent or murmuring with dissatisfaction.