Suffering
'sʌf(ə)rɪŋ
Definitions
2 meaningsThe experience of physical or mental pain, distress, or hardship.
'sʌf(ə)rɪŋ
The state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship.
The soldiers endured great suffering during the war.
💡 Simply: When you're hurting, whether it's your body or your feelings, that's suffering. Like when you stub your toe really hard or when you feel really sad.
👶 For kids: Feeling really, really bad or hurt, like when you're sick or sad.
More Examples
The earthquake caused widespread suffering among the population.
Her suffering ended when she finally received the diagnosis.
How It's Used
"The patient experienced significant suffering due to the illness."
"The therapist helped the client cope with their emotional suffering."
"The relief agency works to alleviate human suffering caused by natural disasters."
The action or state of enduring pain or difficulty.
'sʌf(ə)rɪŋ
Experiencing or enduring pain or hardship.
The city is suffering from a severe water shortage.
💡 Simply: If you're suffering, it means you're going through something tough, like a sickness or a bad time. You're feeling the pain or hardship.
👶 For kids: Going through something that makes you feel bad or hurt.
More Examples
Many animals suffer in captivity.
She was clearly suffering after the loss of her pet.
How It's Used
"The protagonist was suffering from a deep sense of loss."
"He is suffering from a bad cold right now."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
suffering in silence
To endure pain or hardship without expressing it.
"She was suffering in silence, unwilling to burden others with her problems."
cause suffering
To be the reason for someone's suffering.
"The war caused immense suffering to countless families."
From Middle English *suffren*, from Old French *soufrir* (to suffer, endure), from Latin *sufferre* (to bear, undergo), from *sub* (under) + *ferre* (to bear, carry).
The word 'suffering' has been used for centuries, with its meaning remaining relatively consistent. Its usage is common in religious texts and philosophical discussions about the human condition.
Memory tip
Think of a *sufferer* who's *suffering*.
Word Origin
"to bear, undergo"