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suffering

B1 noun #25 最常用 12分钟阅读

suffering

前25

At the A1 level, the word 'suffering' might be a bit difficult. Instead, we usually use simple words like 'pain' or 'hurt.' If you see 'suffering,' think of it as a very big 'hurt' that lasts for a long time. For example, if someone is very sick for many weeks, they have suffering. It is not just a small cut on your finger. A1 learners should know that 'suffering' is a serious word used for big problems. You might hear it in stories about people who are very hungry or very sad. It is a noun, which means it is a thing or a state. You can say 'The suffering is bad.' But usually, at this level, you will say 'He is very sick' or 'He feels a lot of pain.' 'Suffering' is a word you will see more as you read more English books and news.

For A2 learners, 'suffering' is a word that describes a state of being in pain or being very unhappy. You might encounter it when talking about health or social issues. It is important to know that 'suffering' is the noun form of the verb 'suffer.' So, if someone 'suffers' from a cold, they are experiencing 'suffering.' However, we usually use 'suffering' for more serious things than a cold. You might see it in sentences like 'The people in the war had much suffering.' This means they were very unhappy and in pain for a long time. At this level, you can start using it to describe serious situations in your writing, but remember it is a strong word, so use it for big problems, not small ones like losing your keys.

At the B1 level, you should be comfortable using 'suffering' as a noun to describe both physical and mental distress. You will often see it in news reports about natural disasters, wars, or poverty. For example, 'The earthquake caused widespread suffering.' You should also know common adjectives that go with it, like 'immense suffering' or 'unnecessary suffering.' B1 learners should understand that 'suffering' is usually uncountable. You don't say 'a suffering' or 'many sufferings' very often; instead, you say 'a lot of suffering' or 'much suffering.' It is also used in a medical context to talk about patients' experiences. Understanding this word helps you express empathy and describe complex human emotions and situations more accurately.

At the B2 level, you can use 'suffering' in more formal and abstract contexts. You might discuss the 'suffering of humanity' or 'philosophical views on suffering.' You should be able to distinguish between 'suffering' and its synonyms like 'distress,' 'hardship,' or 'agony.' For instance, you might use 'hardship' for economic problems and 'suffering' for the emotional impact of those problems. B2 learners should also be familiar with the legal phrase 'pain and suffering' and how it is used in court cases. You can use 'suffering' to add depth to your essays and discussions about social issues, ethics, and literature. You should also be aware of the plural 'sufferings,' which is used in more literary or formal styles to refer to specific instances of hardship.

C1 learners should have a nuanced understanding of 'suffering,' including its use in literature, philosophy, and high-level academic discourse. You should be able to use it to discuss complex themes like 'the problem of suffering' in theology or 'the representation of suffering' in art. You should also be familiar with more advanced collocations and idiomatic uses. At this level, you can use 'suffering' to convey subtle emotional states and to analyze the human condition in depth. You should be able to use the word with precision, choosing it over synonyms when you want to emphasize the endurance and depth of the experience. Your writing should reflect an understanding of how 'suffering' can be both an individual and a collective experience, and how it is portrayed in different cultural contexts.

At the C2 level, you should have a masterly command of 'suffering,' using it with total fluency and precision in any context. You can explore the most subtle connotations of the word, such as its use in existentialist philosophy or its role in the development of character in epic literature. You should be able to critique how 'suffering' is used in political rhetoric or media to manipulate public emotion. Your vocabulary should include rare and archaic uses of the word, and you should be able to use 'sufferings' in a literary way to evoke a specific historical or formal tone. At this level, 'suffering' is not just a word for pain, but a tool for profound analysis of the human experience, morality, and the nature of reality itself.

开始练习例句笔记与提示

suffering 30秒了解

Suffering is a noun describing intense physical or mental pain and distress.
It is often used in serious contexts like health, war, and social issues.
The word implies endurance and a significant depth of unpleasant experience.
It is usually uncountable but can be pluralized in literary or specific contexts.

The term suffering is a multifaceted noun that describes the state of undergoing great pain, distress, or hardship. It is not merely a synonym for 'pain'; rather, it encompasses a broader, often more prolonged experience that can be physical, mental, or emotional. When we speak of suffering, we are often referring to a condition that affects the whole person or a whole population, suggesting a depth of experience that is more significant than a temporary discomfort. In English, this word is used to highlight the gravity of a situation, whether it is a patient dealing with a chronic illness, a community enduring the aftermath of a natural disaster, or an individual grappling with the loss of a loved one. The nuance of suffering lies in its endurance; it is something one 'bears' or 'carries' over time.

Physical Suffering: This refers to bodily pain caused by injury, disease, or physical deprivation. It is the tangible aspect of suffering that medical professionals aim to alleviate through treatment and care.

The hospital's primary mission is to reduce the physical suffering of its patients through advanced palliative care.

Mental and Emotional Suffering: This involves psychological distress, such as grief, anxiety, or depression. It is often less visible than physical pain but can be equally or more debilitating for the individual.

After the tragic accident, he endured years of silent mental suffering before seeking professional help.

Furthermore, suffering can be collective. We often hear about the suffering of refugees or the suffering caused by economic crises. In these contexts, the word serves to humanize statistics, reminding the audience that behind every number is a person experiencing real hardship. It is a word that evokes empathy and calls for action. Philosophically, suffering has been a central theme in many religions and schools of thought, often viewed as an inevitable part of the human condition that can lead to growth, wisdom, or spiritual enlightenment. For example, in Buddhism, the concept of 'Dukkha' is often translated as suffering, representing the fundamental unsatisfactoriness of life. In literature, authors use the suffering of their characters to explore themes of resilience, morality, and the search for meaning. By understanding suffering, we better understand the resilience of the human spirit.

The novel vividly portrays the suffering of the working class during the Industrial Revolution.

Existential Suffering: A type of distress arising from questions about the meaning of life, mortality, or one's place in the universe. It is a common theme in existentialist philosophy.

Existential suffering often leads individuals to seek deeper spiritual or philosophical truths.

She wrote a memoir detailing the many sufferings she overcame during her travels.

Using the word suffering correctly requires an understanding of its grammatical role as a noun and its relationship with various prepositions. Most commonly, 'suffering' functions as an uncountable noun representing the general concept of distress. For instance, you might say, 'There is much suffering in the world.' Here, it acts as the subject or object of the sentence, describing a pervasive state. However, when you want to specify the cause of the distress, you often use the preposition 'from' in conjunction with the verb 'suffer,' but as a noun, 'suffering' is frequently followed by 'of' to denote the victims or 'caused by' to denote the source.

As an Uncountable Noun: In its most general sense, it describes the abstract concept of pain or hardship. It does not take an 'a' or 'an' and is usually paired with singular verbs.

Human suffering is a recurring theme in classical tragedy.

With Adjectives: Adjectives like 'immense,' 'untold,' 'unnecessary,' 'prolonged,' and 'silent' are frequently used to qualify the degree or nature of the suffering.

The war brought untold suffering to millions of innocent people.

In formal writing, such as academic papers or legal documents, 'suffering' is often paired with 'pain' in the phrase 'pain and suffering.' This is a specific legal term used to describe the physical and emotional stress caused by an injury for which one might seek compensation. In medical contexts, clinicians might discuss 'alleviating suffering' or 'mitigating suffering,' emphasizing the goal of care. When used in the plural form, 'sufferings,' it refers to a series of specific painful events or experiences, often found in older literature or religious texts to list the various trials a person has faced. For example, 'The saint's sufferings were many, but his faith remained strong.' This plural usage is less common in modern everyday speech but adds a formal or literary tone when used correctly.

The jury awarded the plaintiff damages for pain and suffering after the negligence was proven.

In Prepositional Phrases: Common structures include 'the suffering of [group],' 'suffering caused by [event],' and 'relief from suffering.'

The charity works tirelessly to provide relief from suffering in drought-stricken regions.

The long-term suffering of the local population was exacerbated by the lack of clean water.

The word suffering is prevalent in several distinct domains of English communication. Perhaps the most frequent place you will encounter it is in the news and humanitarian reports. Journalists use the word to convey the human cost of conflicts, natural disasters, and social injustices. Phrases like 'immense suffering' or 'widespread suffering' are staples of international reporting, designed to evoke a sense of urgency and compassion in the audience. In these contexts, the word serves as a powerful rhetorical tool to highlight the severity of a crisis. You might hear a news anchor say, 'The international community must act now to end the suffering of thousands trapped in the conflict zone.'

Medical and Healthcare Settings: Doctors, nurses, and palliative care specialists use 'suffering' to describe the holistic experience of a patient. It goes beyond clinical symptoms to include the patient's emotional and spiritual state.

The goal of hospice care is to minimize suffering and provide dignity at the end of life.

Literature and Philosophy: From the works of Shakespeare to modern existentialist novels, suffering is a central theme. It is used to explore the depths of the human psyche and the resilience of the spirit.

Viktor Frankl's 'Man's Search for Meaning' explores how finding purpose can help one endure even the most extreme suffering.

In everyday conversation, 'suffering' is used less frequently than words like 'pain' or 'trouble,' but it is chosen when the speaker wants to emphasize the seriousness of a situation. For example, one might say, 'He's been suffering since his business failed,' indicating a deep and lasting distress rather than a minor setback. It is also common in religious and spiritual discourses, where suffering is often discussed as a trial to be overcome or a path to purification. You might hear it in sermons, meditations, or motivational speeches. Additionally, in the field of animal welfare, the word is used to advocate for the ethical treatment of animals, highlighting their capacity to experience distress. 'The law aims to prevent the unnecessary suffering of animals in captivity' is a sentence you might find in legal or activist literature.

The animal rights group protested against the suffering of livestock during long-distance transport.

Legal and Judicial Contexts: Lawyers use the term to argue for compensation for victims of accidents or crimes, emphasizing the emotional toll on the individual.

The court acknowledged the psychological suffering of the victims and increased the settlement accordingly.

The documentary shed light on the suffering of those living in extreme poverty.

One of the most common mistakes learners make with the word suffering is confusing its noun and verb forms. While 'suffering' can be the present participle of the verb 'to suffer' (e.g., 'He is suffering'), it is also a distinct noun (e.g., 'His suffering was immense'). Learners often use the verb form where a noun is required or vice versa. For example, saying 'The suffer of the people' is incorrect; it should be 'The suffering of the people.' Understanding that 'suffering' as a noun represents the state or condition itself is crucial for correct usage.

Confusion with 'Pain': While related, 'pain' usually refers to a specific physical sensation, whereas 'suffering' is the broader experience of that pain. You can have pain without suffering (like a quick needle prick), and you can have suffering without physical pain (like grief).

Incorrect: He felt a lot of suffering in his toe. Correct: He felt a lot of pain in his toe.

Incorrect Pluralization: Learners often pluralize 'suffering' into 'sufferings' in contexts where the uncountable form is more appropriate. 'Sufferings' is usually reserved for specific, listed trials or literary contexts.

Incorrect: The world has many sufferings. Correct: The world has much suffering.

Another frequent error involves the prepositional usage. Many learners try to use 'suffering' with 'about' or 'at,' but 'suffering' is most naturally paired with 'from' (as a verb) or 'of' (as a noun phrase). For instance, 'the suffering of the poor' is correct, while 'the suffering about the poor' is not. Additionally, there is often confusion between 'suffering' and 'misery.' While they are synonyms, 'misery' often implies a state of extreme unhappiness or poor living conditions, whereas 'suffering' is more broadly applicable to pain and distress of any kind. Misusing these can change the tone of your sentence. Finally, avoid using 'suffering' for minor inconveniences. Saying 'I am suffering because I lost my pen' sounds overly dramatic and is likely to be misunderstood as sarcasm or hyperbole.

Incorrect: She is suffering from a broken pencil. Correct: She is annoyed by a broken pencil.

Misusing 'Suffer' as a Noun: As mentioned, 'suffer' is a verb. Never use it as a noun. Always use 'suffering' when you need a noun to describe the state of pain.

Incorrect: The suffer was too much. Correct: The suffering was too much.

The organization provides support for sufferers of chronic pain.

While suffering is a powerful and versatile word, English offers several alternatives that can provide more specific nuances depending on the context. Choosing the right synonym can help you express the exact type or intensity of the distress you are describing. For example, 'agony' suggests an extreme, often unbearable level of physical or mental pain, whereas 'distress' might refer to a more moderate but still significant level of worry or unhappiness. Understanding these differences is key to advanced English proficiency.

Agony vs. Suffering: 'Agony' is much more intense than 'suffering.' It often implies a struggle or a violent outburst of pain. You might be in agony for a few minutes, but you suffer for a long time.

He was in agony after breaking his leg, but his long-term suffering began during the slow recovery.

Distress vs. Suffering: 'Distress' is often used in psychological or emergency contexts. It can mean anxiety or sorrow, and it's also the word used for ships or planes in trouble ('distress signal').

The news of the layoffs caused great distress among the employees.

Other words like 'misery,' 'torment,' and 'ordeal' also share semantic space with suffering. 'Misery' often describes a state of wretchedness or extreme poverty. 'Torment' suggests a persistent, often cruel source of pain, either physical or mental. An 'ordeal' is a specific, very difficult experience that someone has to go through. For instance, 'The kidnapping was a terrible ordeal for the family.' In academic or formal writing, you might use 'adversity' to describe difficult circumstances or 'tribulation' for a period of great trouble. By varying your vocabulary, you can avoid repetition and make your writing more engaging and precise. Always consider the intensity, duration, and cause of the distress when choosing between these words.

The survivors spoke of the misery they endured in the refugee camps.

Torment vs. Suffering: 'Torment' implies that something or someone is actively causing the pain. It has a more active, almost aggressive connotation than the more passive 'suffering.'

He was tormented by the memory of his mistakes.

The hiker's three-day ordeal in the mountains finally ended when he was spotted by a helicopter.

How Formal Is It?

正式

中性

非正式

Child friendly

俚语

趣味小知识

The literal Latin meaning is 'to carry from below,' which perfectly describes the feeling of bearing a heavy burden of pain or distress.

发音指南

UK /ˈsʌf.ər.ɪŋ/

US /ˈsʌf.ɚ.ɪŋ/

The stress is on the first syllable: SUFF-er-ing.

押韵词

buffering offering shuttering muttering cluttering fluttering stuttering uttering

常见错误

Pronouncing the 'u' like 'oo' (soof-er-ing). It should be a short 'u' as in 'cup'.
Putting the stress on the second syllable (suf-FER-ing).
Dropping the 'g' at the end (sufferin').
Adding an extra syllable (suf-fer-i-ing).
Confusing it with 'sovereign'.

难度评级

阅读 3/5

Common in news and literature, easily recognized by B1 learners.

写作 4/5

Requires careful use of prepositions and understanding of countability.

口语 3/5

A strong word that should be used for serious topics.

听力 2/5

Clear pronunciation and distinct sound make it easy to hear.

接下来学什么

前置知识

pain hurt sad bad feel

接下来学习

distress hardship alleviate mitigate endure

高级

anguish tribulation existential palliative hagiography

需要掌握的语法

Uncountable nouns for abstract concepts

Suffering is a part of life.

Gerunds as subjects

Relieving suffering is a noble goal.

Prepositional phrases with 'of'

The suffering of the animals was clear.

Adjective placement before nouns

They endured immense suffering.

Present continuous for ongoing states

He is suffering from a cold.

按水平分级的例句

The poor dog had much suffering because it was hungry.

El pobre perro sufrió mucho porque tenía hambre.

Uncountable noun used as the object.

We want to stop the suffering of sick people.

Queremos detener el sufrimiento de las personas enfermas.

Noun following 'the' and followed by 'of'.

The war brought suffering to many families.

La guerra trajo sufrimiento a muchas familias.

Direct object of the verb 'brought'.

Is there a lot of suffering in that country?

¿Hay mucho sufrimiento en ese país?

Used in a question with 'a lot of'.

He felt suffering when his friend moved away.

Sintió sufrimiento cuando su amigo se mudó.

Abstract noun describing an emotion.

Doctors help to end suffering.

Los médicos ayudan a terminar con el sufrimiento.

Noun as the object of the infinitive 'to end'.

The suffering was very big after the storm.

El sufrimiento fue muy grande después de la tormenta.

Subject of the sentence.

She does not like to see suffering.

A ella no le gusta ver el sufrimiento.

Noun as the object of the verb 'see'.

The flood caused a lot of suffering in the village.

La inundación causó mucho sufrimiento en el pueblo.

Uncountable noun modified by 'a lot of'.

She wrote a book about the suffering of animals.

Ella escribió un libro sobre el sufrimiento de los animales.

Noun in a prepositional phrase.

We must try to reduce human suffering.

Debemos tratar de reducir el sufrimiento humano.

Compound noun phrase 'human suffering'.

His suffering ended when he finally got the medicine.

Su sufrimiento terminó cuando finalmente consiguió la medicina.

Possessive adjective 'his' modifying the noun.

The news showed the suffering of the refugees.

Las noticias mostraron el sufrimiento de los refugiados.

Definite article 'the' used with the noun.

They work to prevent unnecessary suffering.

Trabajan para prevenir el sufrimiento innecesario.

Adjective 'unnecessary' modifying the noun.

Mental suffering can be harder than physical pain.

El sufrimiento mental puede ser más difícil que el dolor físico.

Adjective 'mental' modifying the noun.

The charity helps people in their time of suffering.

La organización benéfica ayuda a las personas en su momento de sufrimiento.

Noun in a prepositional phrase 'time of suffering'.

The economic crisis led to widespread suffering across the nation.

La crisis económica provocó un sufrimiento generalizado en toda la nación.

Adjective 'widespread' modifying the noun.

Palliative care focuses on relieving the suffering of terminally ill patients.

Los cuidados paliativos se centran en aliviar el sufrimiento de los pacientes terminales.

Gerund 'relieving' taking 'suffering' as an object.

He couldn't bear the suffering of his family any longer.

Ya no podía soportar más el sufrimiento de su familia.

Noun as the object of the verb 'bear'.

The documentary highlights the silent suffering of many domestic workers.

El documental destaca el sufrimiento silencioso de muchos trabajadores domésticos.

Adjective 'silent' modifying the noun.

There is no excuse for the suffering caused by this policy.

No hay excusa para el sufrimiento causado por esta política.

Past participle phrase 'caused by...' modifying the noun.

The victim was awarded damages for pain and suffering.

La víctima recibió una indemnización por daños y perjuicios.

Legal fixed phrase 'pain and suffering'.

Many religions offer a way to understand and cope with suffering.

Muchas religiones ofrecen una forma de entender y afrontar el sufrimiento.

Noun as the object of the phrasal verb 'cope with'.

The long-term suffering of the community was finally recognized by the government.

El sufrimiento a largo plazo de la comunidad fue finalmente reconocido por el gobierno.

Compound adjective 'long-term' modifying the noun.

The existential suffering of the protagonist is a central theme of the novel.

El sufrimiento existencial del protagonista es un tema central de la novela.

Adjective 'existential' modifying the noun.

The report detailed the immense suffering endured by the prisoners of war.

El informe detallaba el inmenso sufrimiento padecido por los prisioneros de guerra.

Past participle 'endured' modifying the noun.

The government's failure to act exacerbated the suffering of the population.

La falta de acción del gobierno exacerbó el sufrimiento de la población.

Verb 'exacerbated' taking 'suffering' as an object.

Ethical debates often center on how to minimize the suffering of sentient beings.

Los debates éticos suelen centrarse en cómo minimizar el sufrimiento de los seres sintientes.

Noun as the object of the infinitive 'to minimize'.

Her memoir is a poignant account of her sufferings during the revolution.

Su memoria es un relato conmovedor de sus sufrimientos durante la revolución.

Plural form 'sufferings' used in a literary context.

The artist used dark colors to convey a sense of deep suffering.

El artista utilizó colores oscuros para transmitir una sensación de profundo sufrimiento.

Noun phrase 'sense of deep suffering'.

The policy was criticized for causing unnecessary suffering to the elderly.

La política fue criticada por causar un sufrimiento innecesario a los ancianos.

Gerund 'causing' taking 'suffering' as an object.

The philosopher argued that suffering is an inherent part of the human condition.

El filósofo argumentó que el sufrimiento es una parte inherente de la condición humana.

Noun as the subject of the subordinate clause.

The poet's work is infused with the suffering of a displaced generation.

La obra del poeta está impregnada del sufrimiento de una generación desplazada.

Noun as the object of the preposition 'with'.

The theological 'problem of evil' often revolves around the existence of suffering.

El 'problema del mal' teológico a menudo gira en torno a la existencia del sufrimiento.

Noun as the object of the preposition 'of'.

The film masterfully depicts the psychological suffering of a woman trapped in a loveless marriage.

La película describe magistralmente el sufrimiento psicológico de una mujer atrapada en un matrimonio sin amor.

Adjective 'psychological' modifying the noun.

The scale of the suffering in the region is almost beyond comprehension.

La magnitud del sufrimiento en la región es casi incomprensible.

Noun as the subject of the sentence.

The legislation aims to mitigate the suffering of those affected by the new tax laws.

La legislación pretende mitigar el sufrimiento de los afectados por las nuevas leyes fiscales.

Verb 'mitigate' taking 'suffering' as an object.

The protagonist's journey is marked by a series of trials and sufferings.

El viaje del protagonista está marcado por una serie de pruebas y sufrimientos.

Plural 'sufferings' used for specific instances.

The humanitarian crisis has led to an unprecedented level of human suffering.

La crisis humanitaria ha provocado un nivel de sufrimiento humano sin precedentes.

Adjective 'unprecedented' modifying the noun phrase.

The author explores the redemptive power of suffering in his latest essay.

El autor explora el poder redentor del sufrimiento en su último ensayo.

Adjective 'redemptive' modifying the noun.

The existentialist view posits that suffering is the crucible in which the self is forged.

La visión existencialista postula que el sufrimiento es el crisol en el que se forja el yo.

Metaphorical use of the noun as a subject complement.

The symphony's minor key evokes the profound suffering of the composer's final years.

La tonalidad menor de la sinfonía evoca el profundo sufrimiento de los últimos años del compositor.

Adjective 'profound' modifying the noun.

One must distinguish between the physical pain of the injury and the subsequent suffering of the spirit.

Hay que distinguir entre el dolor físico de la lesión y el posterior sufrimiento del espíritu.

Noun as the object of the preposition 'between'.

The narrative meticulously deconstructs the suffering inherent in the colonial experience.

La narrativa deconstruye meticulosamente el sufrimiento inherente a la experiencia colonial.

Adjective 'inherent' used in a post-positive position.

The saint's hagiography is a catalog of his various sufferings and miracles.

La hagiografía del santo es un catálogo de sus diversos sufrimientos y milagros.

Plural 'sufferings' in a formal, historical context.

The political rhetoric was designed to capitalize on the suffering of the disenfranchised.

La retórica política se diseñó para capitalizar el sufrimiento de los marginados.

Noun as the object of the preposition 'on'.

The stoic philosophy emphasizes the importance of maintaining equanimity in the face of suffering.

La filosofía estoica subraya la importancia de mantener la ecuanimidad ante el sufrimiento.

Noun in the phrase 'in the face of'.

The sheer magnitude of the suffering witnessed by the aid workers left them traumatized.

La magnitud del sufrimiento presenciado por los trabajadores humanitarios los dejó traumatizados.

Noun phrase 'sheer magnitude of the suffering'.

常见搭配

immense suffering

human suffering

alleviate suffering

unnecessary suffering

prolonged suffering

mental suffering

widespread suffering

relieve suffering

silent suffering

end suffering

常用短语

pain and suffering

the problem of suffering

relieve someone's suffering

endure suffering

cause suffering

untold suffering

humanitarian suffering

mitigate suffering

a lifetime of suffering

the suffering of others

容易混淆的词

suffering vs pain

Pain is the physical sensation; suffering is the overall experience of that pain plus the emotional distress.

suffering vs misery

Misery often refers to very poor living conditions or extreme unhappiness, while suffering is broader.

suffering vs hardship

Hardship usually refers to practical difficulties like lack of money or food, rather than physical pain.

习语与表达

"suffer in silence"

To experience pain or distress without complaining or telling anyone.

Many people with mental health issues suffer in silence.

informal/neutral

"a glutton for punishment"

Someone who seems to enjoy or seek out difficult or painful situations (related to suffering).

He's running another marathon? He's a glutton for punishment.

informal

"put someone out of their misery"

To end someone's suffering, often by killing them (usually animals) or ending a tense situation.

The vet had to put the dog out of its misery.

neutral

"bear one's cross"

To endure a difficult situation or suffering that one must deal with.

We all have our own cross to bear.

neutral/religious origin

"add insult to injury"

To make a bad situation or suffering even worse by doing something else harmful.

Losing the game was bad, but the fans booing added insult to injury.

informal

"through thick and thin"

To stay with someone through all kinds of suffering and good times.

They stayed together through thick and thin.

informal

"on the rack"

In a state of great suffering or anxiety.

The wait for the results kept him on the rack.

literary

"a bitter pill to swallow"

A difficult or painful fact that must be accepted (causes mental suffering).

Losing his job was a bitter pill to swallow.

informal

"grin and bear it"

To accept a difficult or painful situation without complaining.

There's nothing we can do but grin and bear it.

informal

"in the doldrums"

In a state of inactivity, depression, or suffering.

The economy has been in the doldrums for months.

informal

容易混淆

suffering vs sufferer

Both are nouns related to 'suffer.'

'Suffering' is the state or experience, while 'sufferer' is the person who is experiencing it.

The suffering was great for every sufferer in the hospital.

suffering vs sufferance

Sounds very similar to 'suffering.'

'Sufferance' means permission or tolerance, usually given reluctantly. It is much rarer than 'suffering.'

He was only allowed to stay on sufferance.

suffering vs suffocating

Starts with the same few letters.

'Suffocating' means unable to breathe or feeling trapped, while 'suffering' is a general term for pain.

The heat was suffocating, adding to their suffering.

suffering vs insufferable

Contains the root 'suffer.'

'Insufferable' is an adjective meaning unbearable or extremely annoying, usually describing a person or situation.

His arrogance is insufferable and causes much suffering to his team.

suffering vs suffrage

Sounds similar.

'Suffrage' refers to the right to vote in political elections, which is unrelated to pain.

The women's suffrage movement aimed to end the suffering caused by inequality.

句型

The [event] caused [amount] suffering.

The storm caused much suffering.

[Noun] is suffering from [illness/problem].

She is suffering from a headache.

The suffering of [group] is [adjective].

The suffering of the poor is heart-breaking.

We must [verb] the suffering caused by [event].

We must alleviate the suffering caused by the war.

[Adjective] suffering is a [adjective] issue.

Mental suffering is a serious issue.

The [noun] explores the [adjective] nature of suffering.

The book explores the redemptive nature of suffering.

In the face of [adjective] suffering, [noun] [verb].

In the face of immense suffering, the community stayed strong.

The [noun] is a testament to the [adjective] sufferings of [group].

The monument is a testament to the various sufferings of the pioneers.

词族

名词

动词

形容词

如何使用

frequency

Common in news, medical, and literary contexts; less common in casual daily chat.

常见错误

The suffer of the people. → The suffering of the people.
You must use the noun 'suffering' instead of the verb 'suffer' when describing the state of pain.
He has many sufferings. → He has much suffering.
In most contexts, 'suffering' is uncountable. Use 'much' or 'a lot of' instead of 'many'.
I am suffering about my lost keys. → I am upset about my lost keys.
'Suffering' is too strong a word for a minor problem like losing keys. Also, the preposition is usually 'from' for the verb.
The doctor alleviated his paining. → The doctor alleviated his suffering.
'Paining' is not a common noun in this context; 'suffering' is the correct word to use with 'alleviate'.
She felt a suffering in her leg. → She felt a pain in her leg.
Use 'pain' for a specific physical sensation in a body part. 'Suffering' is for the overall experience.

小贴士

Uncountable Usage

Remember that 'suffering' is usually uncountable. Use 'much suffering' or 'a lot of suffering' instead of 'many sufferings' in most everyday contexts.

Strong Adjectives

To make your writing more powerful, use adjectives like 'immense' or 'untold' with 'suffering.' This emphasizes the depth of the pain being described.

Serious Situations

Reserve the word 'suffering' for serious physical or mental distress. Using it for small problems can make you sound overly dramatic or sarcastic.

Pain and Suffering

If you are writing about an accident or a court case, use the fixed phrase 'pain and suffering' to describe the victim's experience.

Alleviating Suffering

In medical contexts, the verb 'alleviate' is very commonly paired with 'suffering.' It means to make the pain or distress less severe.

Avoid Repetition

If you have used 'suffering' several times, try synonyms like 'distress,' 'hardship,' or 'misery' to keep your writing interesting.

Showing Compassion

Using the word 'suffering' is a good way to show empathy for others' difficult experiences in both speaking and writing.

Stress the First Syllable

Always put the emphasis on the first part of the word: SUFF-er-ing. This will help you sound more natural when speaking.

Plural Sufferings

When reading older books, don't be surprised to see 'sufferings' used as a plural noun. It's a more literary way to refer to various trials.

Sufferer vs. Suffering

Make sure you use 'sufferer' for the person and 'suffering' for the experience. For example: 'The sufferer's suffering was finally over.'

记住它

记忆技巧

Think of 'Suffer' as 'Sub-fer' – carrying a heavy weight from below (sub). The 'ing' makes it the state of doing that carrying.

视觉联想

Imagine a person carrying a very heavy, dark backpack up a steep mountain. The backpack represents the suffering.

Word Web

Pain Grief Hardship Endurance Illness Compassion Relief Empathy

挑战

Try to use the word 'suffering' in three different sentences today: one about a physical pain, one about an emotional feeling, and one about a world event.

词源

The word 'suffering' comes from the Middle English 'suffring,' which is the present participle of 'sufferen.' This, in turn, comes from the Old French 'souffrir.'

原始含义： The Old French word 'souffrir' meant 'to bear, endure, resist, or permit.'

It traces back to the Latin 'sufferre,' which is composed of 'sub-' (from below) and 'ferre' (to bear or carry).

文化背景

Be careful when using 'suffering' to describe someone's life; some may find it patronizing or overly dramatic. It is often better to use more specific terms if possible.

In English-speaking countries, 'suffering' is often used in charitable appeals and news reports to evoke empathy and donations.

Viktor Frankl's 'Man's Search for Meaning' (explores suffering in concentration camps). The Buddhist 'Four Noble Truths' (all about the nature of suffering). The legal term 'Pain and Suffering' in common law jurisdictions.

在生活中练习

真实语境

Medical

alleviate suffering
palliative care
chronic suffering
patient suffering

Humanitarian

widespread suffering
relieve suffering
human suffering
suffering of refugees

Legal

pain and suffering
damages for suffering
mental suffering
physical suffering

Philosophical

the nature of suffering
existential suffering
the problem of suffering
endure suffering

Personal

going through suffering
silent suffering
years of suffering
emotional suffering

对话开场白

"How do you think we can best reduce human suffering in the world today?"

"Do you believe that suffering can sometimes lead to personal growth?"

"What are some common causes of mental suffering in modern society?"

"How does your culture typically deal with the concept of suffering?"

"Have you ever read a book that changed your perspective on suffering?"

日记主题

Reflect on a time when you experienced some form of suffering and what you learned from it.

Write about a global issue that causes widespread suffering and how you think it could be addressed.

Compare and contrast physical suffering with mental suffering. Which do you think is harder to bear?

Discuss the role of empathy in responding to the suffering of others.

How can finding meaning in a difficult situation help a person endure suffering?

常见问题

10 个问题

No, 'suffering' can also be the present participle of the verb 'suffer.' For example, in 'He is suffering,' it is a verb. In 'His suffering is great,' it is a noun. You can tell the difference by looking at how it's used in the sentence.

It is very rare and usually sounds incorrect. Instead of 'a suffering,' use 'an instance of suffering' or 'a period of suffering.' 'Suffering' is almost always uncountable in modern English.

Pain is usually a specific physical feeling (like a sting or an ache). Suffering is a broader term that includes both physical pain and the mental or emotional distress that comes with it. You can suffer without having physical pain, such as when you are very sad.

Use the plural 'sufferings' when you are referring to a specific list of different hardships or trials, especially in a literary, historical, or religious context. For example: 'The book describes the many sufferings of the explorers.'

It is a neutral to formal word. It is perfectly fine to use in everyday speech for serious topics, but it is also very common in formal writing like news reports, academic papers, and legal documents.

Yes, it is very common to talk about the 'suffering of animals,' especially in the context of animal rights, veterinary medicine, or nature documentaries.

Common adjectives include 'immense,' 'untold,' 'widespread,' 'unnecessary,' 'prolonged,' 'silent,' 'mental,' 'physical,' and 'profound.' These help describe the scale and type of the distress.

In general, yes, it describes an unpleasant experience. However, some philosophies and religions suggest that suffering can lead to positive outcomes like growth, empathy, or spiritual enlightenment.

In law, the most common phrase is 'pain and suffering.' This refers to the physical and emotional stress caused by an injury, for which a person might receive money (damages) in a lawsuit.

The most direct opposites are 'comfort,' 'ease,' 'happiness,' 'joy,' and 'relief.' These words describe states where there is no pain or distress.