groan
B1Neutral to informal. Used in both everyday conversation and literary contexts.
Definition
Meaning
To make a low, deep, inarticulate sound expressing physical pain, mental distress, or strong disapproval.
To complain or moan about something; (of an object) to make a low, deep sound under strain; (figuratively) to be heavily laden or overwhelmed (e.g., 'shelves groaning with books').
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
Implies a prolonged, often involuntary sound. Can be verbal (a complaint) or non-verbal (a sound). Often expresses suffering, discomfort, or reluctance.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning or usage. Both varieties use the word identically in all senses.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties. Connotes discomfort, strain, or complaint.
Frequency
Equally common in both British and American English.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
He groaned. (Intransitive)He groaned a response. (Transitive with direct speech/object)She groaned in pain. (Intransitive + prepositional phrase)The table groaned under the weight. (Intransitive + under NP)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “groan under the weight/burden of something”
- “groan inwardly”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Might be used figuratively: 'The economy is groaning under the new regulations.'
Academic
Rare in core text. May appear in literary analysis or historical narrative.
Everyday
Common: 'He let out a groan when he saw the queue.'
Technical
Not used in technical senses.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- 'Oh no,' he groaned, seeing the football result.
- The old floorboards groaned as he walked across them.
American English
- She groaned when her alarm went off.
- The suspension groaned under the heavy load.
adverb
British English
- N/A
American English
- N/A
adjective
British English
- A groan-worthy pun.
American English
- A groan-inducing joke.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- He groaned because his bag was so heavy.
- The old chair groaned when she sat down.
- The students let out a groan when the teacher announced a pop quiz.
- I groaned inwardly at the thought of another long meeting.
- The nation groaned under the burden of high taxes and inflation.
- She managed to groan his name before losing consciousness.
- His latest literary offering is a sprawling, often groan-inducing epic.
- The market is groaning with an abundance of cheap consumer goods.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a giant, heavy stone being rolled (GROAN- like 'grown' in size) making a deep, creaking sound.
Conceptual Metaphor
COMPLAINT/SUFFERING IS A DEEP SOUND. BURDEN IS PHYSICAL WEIGHT ('groaning under').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'grunt' (кряхтеть, хрюкать), which is shorter and more animalistic.
- The noun 'groan' (стон) is a specific sound of suffering, not a general 'moan' or 'complaint' (жалоба).
Common Mistakes
- Confusing 'groan' (deep sound of pain/boredom) with 'grown' (past participle of grow).
- Overusing as a direct synonym for 'say' or 'complain' without the connotation of sound or physical effort.
Practice
Quiz
Which sentence uses 'groan' correctly?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A groan is typically a deeper, shorter, more guttural sound associated with physical strain or acute displeasure. A moan is often longer, more vocalised, and can express pleasure as well as pain or complaint.
Yes, but it's less common. It can be used with direct speech or words uttered with a groaning sound (e.g., 'Help,' he groaned.). It's not typically used with standard direct objects.
No. Objects like floors, trees, ships, or machinery can be described as groaning under strain, using personification.
It is neutral but leans informal. It's perfectly acceptable in everyday speech and descriptive writing but is less common in very formal or technical registers.