Ail: meaning, definitions and examples

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ail

 

[ eɪl ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

medical

Ail is a term used to describe a mild illness or discomfort.

Synonyms

discomfort, illness

Examples of usage

  • He has been feeling a bit under the weather, but it's just a minor ail.
  • She complained of various ails, but nothing serious.
Context #2 | Verb

informal

To trouble or afflict, usually with minor illness or discomfort.

Synonyms

afflict, bother, trouble

Examples of usage

  • The cold weather seems to ail her arthritis.
  • What ails you, my friend?

Translations

Translations of the word "ail" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dor

🇮🇳 दर्द

🇩🇪 Schmerz

🇮🇩 rasa sakit

🇺🇦 біль

🇵🇱 ból

🇯🇵 痛み (いたみ)

🇫🇷 douleur

🇪🇸 dolor

🇹🇷 ağrı

🇰🇷 통증 (tongjeung)

🇸🇦 ألم

🇨🇿 bolest

🇸🇰 bolesť

🇨🇳 痛苦 (tòngkǔ)

🇸🇮 bolečina

🇮🇸 sársauki

🇰🇿 ауырсыну

🇬🇪 ტკივილი

🇦🇿 ağrı

🇲🇽 dolor

Word origin

The word 'ail' comes from the Old English term 'eglan', meaning 'to afflict with pain'. Over time, it evolved into 'ail' in Middle English, retaining its original meaning of causing discomfort or trouble. The usage of 'ail' as a noun to describe a mild illness or discomfort became common in the 18th century.

See also: ailing, ailment.