Difficulty Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฉ
difficulty
['dษชfษชkษlti ]
Definitions
level of complexity
The state or quality of being difficult. It can refer to the degree of challenge or complexity involved in a task or situation.
Synonyms
challenge, complexity, hardship.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| difficulty |
General term for any kind of problem or struggle.
|
| challenge |
Something that is difficult but can be motivating or seen as a task to be overcome.
|
| complexity |
Usually refers to something that has many interconnected parts making it hard to understand or solve.
|
| hardship |
Refers to severe suffering or deprivation, often used in a more negative or serious context.
|
Examples of usage
- The difficulty of the exam surprised many students.
- She was not prepared for the level of difficulty in the game.
problem or obstacle
A problem or obstacle that hinders progress or success. It can also refer to a state of being hard to deal with.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| difficulty |
General term for something that is not easy to do or understand.
|
| obstacle |
A physical or non-physical barrier that prevents progress, often used in a literal or metaphorical sense.
|
| issue |
A matter or problem that is being discussed or considered, often used for discussions or debates.
|
| hurdle |
A problem or obstacle that must be overcome, often used in a figurative sense.
|
Examples of usage
- One of the difficulties we faced was lack of funding.
- Overcoming this difficulty will require teamwork and creativity.
lack of ease
The absence of ease or comfort. It can refer to a feeling of discomfort or unease.
Synonyms
awkwardness, discomfort, unease.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| difficulty |
Use this term when referring to a challenging task, situation, or problem.
|
| discomfort |
Ideal for expressing physical or emotional unease or mild pain.
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| unease |
Suitable for describing a general feeling of anxiety or worry.
|
| awkwardness |
Best suited for describing situations that are socially uncomfortable or physically clumsy.
|
Examples of usage
- She handled the situation with grace despite the difficulty of the circumstances.
- There was a noticeable difficulty in his voice as he spoke about the loss.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Facing difficulty can trigger the brain's problem-solving skills, encouraging growth and resilience.
- Research shows that experiencing challenges can lead to increased motivation to overcome future obstacles.
- Many psychologists argue that difficulties can help in developing coping strategies and emotional intelligence.
Education
- In learning environments, difficulty is often used to gauge the complexity of tasks to help educators tailor their methods.
- Challenges are necessary for profound learning; they encourage critical thinking and adaptability.
- Students often develop better understanding and retention of information when they face and overcome challenges.
Literature
- Many classic stories use difficulty as a central theme, reflecting characters' struggles against challenges, like in 'The Odyssey'.
- Poets often use challenges as metaphors for personal growth and enlightenment in their works.
- Difficulties faced by protagonists often create tension, driving plots and highlighting personal development throughout the tale.
Pop Culture
- The concept of 'difficulty' has become popular in video gaming, where levels range from easy to hard, testing player skills.
- Reality TV shows frequently revolve around participants facing various difficulties, highlighting human resilience.
- Music and movies often explore themes of overcoming difficulties, showing how challenges can lead to personal triumph.
Origin of 'difficulty'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'difficultas', meaning 'hard to accomplish'.
- In Old French, it evolved to 'difficultรฉ', maintaining the same meaning.
- It originally described the conditions of challenges in tasks, gradually expanding to include emotional struggles.
The word 'difficulty' originated from the Latin word 'difficul(t)as', which means 'hardship' or 'trouble'. Over time, it evolved to encompass the concept of challenges and obstacles. The use of 'difficulty' in English dates back to the 14th century, where it was used to describe the state of being hard to accomplish. Throughout history, the word has been associated with adversity and struggle, reflecting the inherent challenges of life.
See also: difficulties, difficultly, difficultness.