gripes

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The word "gripes" can have a couple of different meanings, but let's focus on the main ones for a new English learner.

Basic Definition:

1. Gripes (noun): This word often refers to acute abdominal pain, especially in infants or very young children. It can also mean discomfort in the stomach or cramps.

Usage Instructions:

• You can use "gripes" to talk about pain in the belly, especially when referring to babies.
• It is usually used in a medical or health context.

Example:

• "The baby is crying because he has gripes from eating too quickly."

Advanced Usage:

• In a broader sense, "gripes" can also refer to complaints or grievances that someone has. For example, if someone is unhappy about a situation, they might express their "gripes."

Word Variants:

• Gripe (verb): To complain or express dissatisfaction.
  • Example: "She always gripes about the weather."

Different Meanings:

• As noted, "gripes" can mean both abdominal pain (especially in infants) and complaints or issues that someone is upset about.

Synonyms:

• For abdominal pain: cramps, bellyache, colicky pain
• For complaints: grievances, complaints, whines

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that include "gripes," but you might hear people say "to air one's gripes," which means to express one's complaints openly.

Summary:

• "Gripes" can refer to a type of stomach pain, especially in babies, or to complaints about something. You can use it in both medical and casual contexts, depending on the situation.

Academic

Noun

1. acute abdominal pain (especially in infants)

Synonyms

• colic
• intestinal colic
• griping