moan
moan — verb
- moanpresent simple I / you / we / they
- moanshe / she / it
- moanedpast simple
- moaning-ing form
1. to let out a low, drawn-out sound from your throat when physical hurt, strong sa
to let out a low, drawn-out sound from your throat when physical hurt, strong sadness, or an intense feeling such as grief or relief affects you
After the nurse moved his broken leg, Liam let out a low sound and began to moan softly.
moan softly — common with adverbs of intensity
The old dog moaned in its sleep as it dreamed of running after a rabbit.
moan in [location/state] — prepositional phrase after verb
Zola moaned when the dentist told her she would need a second filling.
During the funeral, several people moaned with grief as the coffin was lowered into the ground.
The wind moaned through the cracks in the old cabin walls all night long.
文法句型
moan
moan in/with [emotion]
moan about [body part]
用法筆記
Frequently followed by a prepositional phrase (in/with/from) naming the cause or context of the sound. Can also be used of inanimate things such as wind or machinery that make a similar low sound.
常見錯誤
2. to complain in a slightly annoying way, usually about small or everyday problems
to complain in a slightly annoying way, usually about small or everyday problems that other people do not think are important
Deepa spent most of the train journey moaning about the delay and the lack of seats.
moan about [something] — most common pattern
My grandmother never stops moaning that her phone is too complicated to use.
moan that + clause — reporting a specific complaint
The kitchen staff were moaning to the manager about the broken fan in the corner.
Instead of moaning about the weather, why not bring a jacket and enjoy the walk?
Customers are always moaning that the Wi-Fi signal is too weak on the second floor.
- praise
express approval or admiration instead of dissatisfaction
文法句型
moan about [something]
moan that + clause
moan to [someone] about [something]
用法筆記
Strongly informal in British English; carries a tone of criticism toward the speaker who finds the complaint tiresome or exaggerated. In American English the verb 'whine' or 'complain' is more common for this meaning.
常見錯誤
moan — noun
- moansingular
- moansplural
1. the drawn-out, low noise that travels from a person's throat when they are in ph
the drawn-out, low noise that travels from a person's throat when they are in physical distress, overcome with sadness, or moved by a very powerful feeling
A low moan escaped from the injured runner as the doctor examined her swollen ankle.
a moan escaped from [someone] — literary phrasing
Hearing a soft moan from the next room, Diego rushed in to check on his grandmother.
Fatima let out a moan of relief when she saw her son step safely off the bus.
The patient gave a long moan every time the nurse moved his bandaged arm.
With a deep moan, the exhausted hiker lowered himself onto the grass beside the trail.
文法句型
let out a moan
a moan of [emotion]
with a moan
用法筆記
Often used with the verb 'let out' or 'give'. Typically implies a physical reaction to something that hurts or causes sudden strong feelings. Not used for very loud screams or shouts.
2. an instance of expressing unhappiness or annoyance about something, especially w
an instance of expressing unhappiness or annoyance about something, especially when others consider the issue small or unimportant
Kim had another moan about the office coffee machine this morning at the meeting.
have a moan about [something] — fixed verb-noun phrase
After a long moan from the passengers, the airline finally offered free refreshments.
We all sat through his usual moan about how the trains are never on time.
Shira's constant moan about her noisy neighbours drove the whole class crazy.
The only thing I remember from the trip was Dad's endless moan about the hotel pillows.
文法句型
have a moan about [something]
a moan about [something]
用法筆記
Almost always used in singular form ('a moan', 'his usual moan'). In British English it is a noun version of the informal verb sense (complain). Carries a mildly dismissive tone — the complaint is seen as unimportant.