suffering

[ˈsʌfərɪŋ]

suffering Definition

• 1. the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship
• 2. the state of being affected by or subject to something specified

Using suffering: Examples

Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "suffering" can be used in various situations through the following examples!

• Example

  The suffering of the refugees is heart-wrenching.

• Example

  She has been suffering from a chronic illness for years.

• Example

  The country is suffering from an economic crisis.

• Example

  The victims of the disaster are still suffering from trauma.

suffering Synonyms and Antonyms

Synonyms for suffering

• pain
• distress
• hardship
• misery
• torment

Antonyms for suffering

• pleasure
• comfort

Idioms Using suffering

• take one's suffering

  to endure one's pain or hardship without complaint

  Example

  She took her suffering with grace and dignity.

• suffer fools gladly

  to be patient with or tolerate foolish or incompetent people

  Example

  He doesn't suffer fools gladly and can be quite blunt with people he considers incompetent.

• suffer the consequences

  to experience the negative results or effects of one's actions

  Example

  If you don't study for the exam, you will suffer the consequences.

Phrases with suffering

• suffering servant

  a term used in the Bible to describe a person who suffers on behalf of others

  Example

  The prophet Isaiah wrote about the suffering servant who would come to save his people.

• suffering artist

  an artist who experiences emotional or financial difficulties in pursuit of their art

  Example

  Vincent van Gogh is often considered a suffering artist due to his struggles with mental illness and poverty.

• suffering in silence

  to endure pain or hardship without complaining or seeking help

  Example

  He was suffering in silence for months before finally seeking medical attention.

Origins of suffering

from Old English 'sufferan', meaning 'to undergo'

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Summary: suffering in Brief

The term 'suffering' [ˈsʌfərɪŋ] refers to the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship. It can also denote being affected by or subject to something specified. Examples include refugees, chronic illness, economic crises, and trauma. Phrases like 'suffering servant' and 'suffering artist' describe individuals who experience pain or hardship. Idioms like 'suffer fools gladly' and 'suffer the consequences' extend the concept of suffering to patience and consequences.