Dilemma Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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dilemma
[dษชหlษmษ ]
Definitions
ethical
A situation in which a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, especially equally undesirable ones.
Synonyms
conundrum, predicament, quandary.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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dilemma |
Used when facing a situation requiring a choice between equally undesirable alternatives. It's often used in moral or ethical contexts.
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predicament |
Refers to an unpleasant or difficult situation that someone is in. It's often about being stuck in a tough spot without an easy way out.
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quandary |
Describes a state of uncertainty or perplexity over what to do in a particular situation. It highlights the difficulty in making a decision.
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conundrum |
Applied when talking about a complex or confusing problem or question that is difficult to solve. It often implies a puzzle or something that is difficult to understand.
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Examples of usage
- Jane found herself in a dilemma when she had to choose between saving her job or standing up for her principles.
- Facing a moral dilemma, Tom struggled to decide whether to tell the truth and risk losing his friend's trust, or to keep quiet and betray his own values.
philosophical
A situation in which a choice has to be made between two or more options that seem equally desirable.
Synonyms
predicament, predilection, quandary.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
dilemma |
A situation where a difficult choice has to be made between two or more alternatives, often equally undesirable.
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quandary |
A state of uncertainty over what to do in a difficult situation, slightly less serious than a dilemma.
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predicament |
A difficult, unpleasant, or embarrassing situation.
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predilection |
A preference or special liking for something; a bias in favor of something. It typically has a positive or neutral connotation.
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Examples of usage
- His dilemma was whether to accept the well-paid job offer or follow his passion for art.
- The character in the story was confronted with a dilemma: to betray his family for wealth or remain loyal and poor.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Philosophy
- Philosophers often use dilemmas to explore moral problems, notably in ethics, where choices may impact right and wrong.
- The 'trolley problem' is a famous philosophical dilemma involving choices that force one to weigh the value of lives.
- Dilemmas help illustrate complex moral issues that can't be solved easily with a simple answer.
Literature
- Dilemmas are common plot devices in novels, forcing characters to make tough decisions that reveal their true nature.
- Shakespeareโs characters often face dilemmas that highlight themes of loyalty and betrayal.
- In modern literature, dilemmas can drive the narrative forward and engage the reader's emotions.
Psychology
- Encountering dilemmas activates areas of the brain associated with decision-making and emotional processing.
- People often experience heightened stress or anxiety when faced with a dilemma, as it involves weighing consequences.
- Dilemma-based scenarios are often used in psychological studies to understand human behavior and choice.
Cultural References
- In pop culture, movies often use dilemmas to create tension and engage the audience, like choosing between love or duty.
- Dilemmatic choices are a hallmark of many video games, where players must select between conflicting options.
- Dilemmas are used in advertisements to evoke emotions, prompting viewers to empathize with characters in tough situations.
Origin of 'dilemma'
Main points about word origin
- The term comes from the Greek word 'dilemma' which means 'double proposition'.
- It was first used in English in the early 17th century to describe a situation with two bad choices.
- The word combines 'di' (two) and 'lemma' (premise) suggesting a choice involving two sides or premises.
The word 'dilemma' originated from the Greek word 'dilemma', which means 'double proposition'. It entered the English language in the late 16th century. The concept of a dilemma has been discussed in philosophy, ethics, and literature for centuries, reflecting the complexities of decision-making and moral choices.
Word Frequency Rank
At #7,213 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.
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- 7210 uttered
- 7211 negotiating
- 7212 recollection
- 7213 dilemma
- 7214 recourse
- 7215 commercially
- 7216 chlorine
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