challenging
UK: ˈtʃæl.ɪn.dʒɪŋ | US: ˈtʃæl.ɪn.dʒɪŋ
adj. difficult in a way that tests one's abilities or determination
adj. stimulatingly complex or thought-provoking
vt. (gerund/present participle of "challenge") inviting competition or dispute
challenging = challenge<to call into question> + ing<adjective suffix>
- challenge: Derived from Old French chalonge (accusation, dispute), from Latin calumnia (trickery, false claim). The root calumn implies deceit or provocation.
- ing: A suffix forming present participles or adjectives indicating action or quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word traces back to Latin calumnia, reflecting a shift from legal accusations ("false claims") to broader confrontations ("calling to account"). By the 14th century, Old French chalonge entered English as challenge, initially meaning "to accuse." Over time, it expanded to denote testing someone's resolve (e.g., "challenging a knight to duel"). The suffix -ing later adapted it into an adjective describing tasks that provoke effort or debate.
The mountain climb was physically challenging.
She finds quantum physics intellectually challenging.
The lawyer is challenging the court's decision.
His challenging attitude often sparks debates.
This puzzle is designed to be challenging for adults.