pained
UK: peɪnd | US: peɪnd
adj. showing or expressing distress, discomfort, or suffering
adj. (of an expression or tone) indicating emotional or physical pain
The word "pained" combines the root "pain," derived from Old French "peine" (meaning suffering or hardship), with the suffix "-ed," which forms adjectives from verbs or nouns. Originally, "pain" entered English via Latin "poena" (penalty or punishment), reflecting the concept of suffering as a form of retribution. Over time, "pain" broadened to encompass both physical and emotional distress. The suffix "-ed" here denotes a state of being, transforming the noun "pain" into an adjective describing someone visibly affected by suffering.
She gave him a pained look when he mentioned the accident.
His pained expression revealed how deeply the criticism hurt him.
The doctor’s pained sigh suggested bad news.
Despite her pained knee, she finished the marathon.
His voice was pained as he recounted the loss.