French word

plainte

Pronunciation

IPA/plɛ̃t/

Meaning

  • feminine nouncomplaint

Example

J'ai reçu une plainte au sujet du service.

I received a complaint about the service.

Illustration for plainte (complaint)

More examples

Elle a formulé une plainte au service client.

She voiced a complaint to customer service.

Core concept

A formal grievance directed to a responsible authority, asking for action or compensation.

Common phrases

  • déposer une plainte

    submit a complaint

  • formuler une plainte

    voice a complaint

  • porter plainte

    lodge a complaint

Similar words

réclamation: A complaint about a faulty product or service seeking improvement or a refund.
reproche: An expression of dissatisfaction or blame directed at someone's actions.
mécontentement: A feeling of dissatisfaction with a situation or outcome.

Definition in French

Demande formelle d'intervention ou de réparation motivée par un mécontentement ou un préjudice.

Word origin

Plainte comes through Old French plainte from Latin planctus, related to plangere 'to lament', and its sense developed from distress to a formal grievance.

Usage tips

  • In porter plainte, the verb means to file a complaint, especially with the police or courts, rather than simply to complain.

Opposites

Related words

  • plaignantplaintiffnoun

Word lists with this word