suffering
UK: ˈsʌfərɪŋ | US: ˈsʌfərɪŋ
n. the state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship
v. (present participle of "suffer") to experience or be subjected to something unpleasant
suffer<endure> + ing<noun/verb suffix>
- suffer: From Latin sufferre (sub<under> + ferre<bear>), meaning "to bear or endure."
- ing: A suffix forming present participles or gerunds, indicating an action or state.
Etymology Origin:
The word "suffering" traces back to Latin sufferre, combining sub- (under) and ferre (to bear). It originally described enduring hardship or carrying a burden. Over time, it evolved in Middle English to specifically denote physical or emotional pain. The suffix -ing transforms the verb into a noun or continuous action, emphasizing the ongoing nature of distress.
The patient’s suffering was evident from his expression.
She wrote a book about suffering and resilience.
Many animals endure unnecessary suffering in captivity.
His suffering lessened after the treatment.
The community united to alleviate the suffering caused by the disaster.