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Scold vs Complain - What's the difference?

scold | complain |

As verbs the difference between scold and complain

is that scold is to rebuke while complain is to express feelings of pain, dissatisfaction, or resentment.

As a noun scold

is (obsolete) a person fond of abusive language, in particular a troublesome and angry woman.

scold

English

Alternative forms

* scould (obsolete)

Noun

(en noun)
  • (obsolete) A person fond of abusive language, in particular a troublesome and angry woman.

    • Related terms

    * scold's bridle

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To rebuke.
  • * 1813 , (Pride and Prejudice) , (Jane Austen)
    • A week elapsed before she could see Elizabeth without scolding her —
  • *
    • Molly the dairymaid came a little way from the rickyard, and said she would pluck the pigeon that very night after work. She was always ready to do anything for us boys; and we could never quite make out why they scolded her so for an idle hussy indoors. It seemed so unjust. Looking back, I recollect she had very beautiful brown eyes.

    Synonyms

    * objurgate * rebuke * threap * See also

    Anagrams

    * clods, colds

    complain

    English

    Verb

    (en verb)
  • To express feelings of pain, dissatisfaction, or resentment.
    • Joe was always complaining about the noise made by his neighbours.
  • * Milton
    • O loss of sight, of thee I most complain !
  • To make a formal accusation or bring a formal charge.
    • They've complained about me to the police again.
  • * Shakespeare
    • Now, Master Shallow, you'll complain of me to the king?
  • To creak or squeak, as a timber or wheel.
    • the complaining bed-springs

    Synonyms

    * grumble * grouse * grump * bitch * beef * gripe * whine * kvetch * moan * whinge * See also

    External links

    * *

    Anagrams

    * English reporting verbs