Homophones: Compliant vs. Complaint
Distinguishing Between Compliant and Complaint
1. Compliant (kuhm·plai·uhnt) (‘i’ first ‘a’ second)
Meaning: Willing to comply with rules or standards; obedient.
Example Sentence: The patient was very compliant with the treatment plan, ensuring all medications were taken on time.
Forms:
Compliance (noun): The action or fact of complying with a wish or command.
Example sentence: Compliance with the new health regulations is mandatory for all medical staff.
Comply (verb): Act in accordance with a wish or command.
Example Sentence: It is essential to comply with the hospital’s hygiene protocols to prevent infections.
Compliantly (adverb): In a compliant manner.
Example Sentence: The patient compliantly followed all the post-operative care instructions.
2. Complaint (kuhm·playnt) (‘a’ first ‘i’second)
Meaning: A statement that something is unsatisfactory or unacceptable.
Example Sentence: The patient came in with a complaint of severe abdominal pain.
Forms:
Complain (verb): Express dissatisfaction or annoyance about something.
Example Sentence: The elderly gentleman began to complain about increasing joint pain during his last visit.
Complained (past tense verb): Expressed dissatisfaction or annoyance in the past.
Example Sentence: She complained of dizziness and nausea after taking the new medication.
Complaining (present participle verb): Expressing dissatisfaction or annoyance in the present.
Example Sentence: The patient has been complaining of persistent headaches for the past week.
Complainer (noun): A person who complains.
Example Sentence: As a habitual complainer, he frequently expressed dissatisfaction with minor issues.
Complaints
Meaning: Plural of complaint; multiple statements of dissatisfaction or annoyance.
Example Sentence: The doctor noted several complaints from the patient, including fatigue, shortness of breath, and muscle aches.