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Malady Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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malady

[ˈmælədi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

medical

A disease or ailment.

Synonyms

ailment, illness, sickness.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
malady

Used in more formal or literary contexts to describe a serious or chronic disease. It often gives a dramatic or grave impression.

  • The country was afflicted with various social maladies.
  • The doctor couldn't find a cure for the rare malady.
illness

A general term used to describe any condition that makes you feel unwell. It can range from mild to severe and is commonly used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • He took a leave of absence due to illness.
  • The illness spread rapidly through the school.
sickness

Often used to describe the physical symptoms of being unwell, such as nausea or vomiting. It can also be used in a more general sense to indicate being in poor health.

  • She felt a wave of sickness after the meal.
  • The entire family was overcome by a mysterious sickness.
ailment

Refers to a minor or chronic illness, typically not life-threatening. Commonly used in everyday conversation and not as severe as 'illness'.

  • She suffered from a minor ailment but continued to work.
  • Home remedies can often cure common ailments.

Examples of usage

  • The doctor diagnosed her with a rare malady.
  • The malady spread quickly throughout the community.
  • The malady was difficult to treat due to its complexity.
Context #2 | Noun

literary

A serious problem or issue.

Synonyms

affliction, issue, problem.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
malady

An old-fashioned or poetic term often used to describe a serious illness or disease. Can be used metaphorically to describe a serious societal issue.

  • The patient suffered from a mysterious malady
  • Society must address the malady of inequality
problem

A very general term that can refer to any situation that needs to be solved. It is the most common and versatile among the terms listed.

  • We have a problem with our internet connection
  • The teacher helped the students solve their math problems
issue

A broad term that can refer to a problem or topic of discussion. It is less severe than 'malady' or 'affliction.' Often used in professional or formal contexts.

  • The company is having some financial issues
  • There are several issues we need to address in this meeting
affliction

Refers to something that causes suffering or pain, often used to describe long-term or severe conditions. Sometimes used metaphorically for emotional or psychological pains.

  • Her arthritis was a constant affliction
  • Depression is a silent affliction many people face

Examples of usage

  • The malady of poverty plagued the city for decades.
  • He was trying to find a solution to the malady of corruption.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

History

  • In the Middle Ages, various maladies were often thought to be caused by supernatural forces or punishment from deities.
  • During the Victorian era, discussions on malady included hidden illnesses, often affecting women, leading to the phrase 'the malady of gentility'.
  • The term was commonly used in medical texts throughout history to describe not just physical symptoms but also mental illness.

Literature

  • Authors like Shakespeare used the concept of malady to explore themes of mortality and human frailty.
  • In literature, a malady may symbolize deeper emotional or societal issues, often reflecting characters' struggles.
  • Charles Dickens often portrayed maladies to critique social injustices, highlighting how illness could stem from neglect and poverty.

Pop Culture

  • In modern media, maladies are often central to storytelling, showing the character's journey through suffering and recovery.
  • TV shows and movies frequently depict characters with chronic maladies to highlight real-life health issues.
  • Songs sometimes use malady metaphorically, referring to feelings of heartbreak or despair.

Psychology

  • Chronic maladies can impact mental health, leading to anxiety or depression due to ongoing physical struggles.
  • The term is also used metaphorically in psychology to describe societal issues, like a 'malady of apathy' where communities show disinterest in social problems.
  • Understanding one's own maladies, whether physical or emotional, is key to fostering empathy and healing.

Origin of 'malady'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'maladia', meaning 'sickness'.
  • It entered the English language around the late 14th century, evolving from Old French.
  • The prefix 'mal-' in many languages means 'bad', linking to its meaning of disease or illness.

The word 'malady' originated from the Old French 'maladie', which in turn came from the Latin 'male habitus' meaning 'badly conditioned'. The term has been used in English since the 13th century to refer to diseases or ailments. Over time, it has also come to be used metaphorically to describe serious problems or issues.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #13,787, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.