student asking question

Does "distress" have any relation with "stress"? What does "distress" mean?

teacher

Native speaker’s answer

Rebecca

Great question. In terms of grammar the words "distress" and "stress" are not really connected to each other. Meaning that they are not interchangeable or synonyms. However, they are linked. "Stress" can have two meanings, one is to put emphasis or importance on something and the other is to cause a state of strain or tension. "Distress" is extreme anxiety, sorrow or pain. In this way you can see the connection between the feeling of "distress" and the feeling of "stress". It is also commonly said that prolonged "stress" can cause "distress". Ex: The distress in her voice was really noticeable. Ex: I didn't want to cause any distress.

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