Malaise Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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malaise
[mษหleษชz ]
Definitions
feeling of discomfort
A general feeling of discomfort, illness, or uneasiness whose exact cause is difficult to identify.
Synonyms
discomfort, indisposition, malady, uneasiness.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| malaise |
Used to describe a general feeling of discomfort or unease, often relating to an unclear or generalized illness or cause. It doesn't necessarily indicate a specific sickness.
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| discomfort |
Used to describe a slight pain or physical uneasiness. It can also refer to a sense of unease in a social or emotional context.
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| uneasiness |
Refers to a feeling of anxiety or discomfort, often linked to worry or uncertainty about a situation. It has a broader use, both physically and emotionally.
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| indisposition |
Often used to describe a minor illness or temporary unwillingness to engage in activities. It may sound more formal and less severe.
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| malady |
Describes a serious illness or ailment, often used in a more formal or literary context. It indicates a significant health issue.
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Examples of usage
- I woke up with a sense of malaise that I couldn't shake off.
- She couldn't concentrate at work due to the persistent malaise she felt.
- The malaise in the air was palpable, affecting everyone in the room.
- The malaise spread through the community, leaving everyone feeling drained.
- The doctor diagnosed her with a case of unexplained malaise.
society or economy
A general feeling of unease or stagnation within a society or economy.
Synonyms
discontent, sluggishness, stagnation, unrest.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| malaise |
Malaise is often used to describe a general feeling of discomfort, unease, or illness without a specific cause. It can be physical or emotional.
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| stagnation |
Stagnation is used to describe a situation where there is no activity, growth, or development, often in an economic or professional context.
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| sluggishness |
Sluggishness refers to a lack of energy or activity. It can describe physical lethargy or a slow-moving process.
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| unrest |
Unrest is commonly used to describe a state of dissatisfaction and disturbance among a group of people, often leading to protests or conflicts.
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| discontent |
Discontent is used when people are unhappy with their current situation or conditions, particularly in a social or political context.
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Examples of usage
- The country was in a state of malaise, with high unemployment and low morale.
- There was a sense of malaise in the company, leading to decreased productivity.
- The government's inability to address key issues only added to the prevailing malaise.
- The economic malaise was evident in the lack of consumer confidence.
- The political malaise was affecting voter turnout in the upcoming elections.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Malaise can be related to mental health issues like anxiety or depression, where individuals feel an overall lack of motivation or energy.
- This feeling can often be a signal of burnoutโa state of physical, emotional, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged stress.
- Research indicates that malaise may not only be psychological but can also be linked to physical health conditions.
Social Context
- In literature, malaise often reflects a society's disillusionment or unrest, capturing the mood of an era or cultural moment.
- Malaise is sometimes used in reference to political climates, indicating a sense of discomfort or dissatisfaction among the populace.
- The term was notably used by French President Franรงois Mitterrand in the 1980s to describe the social and economic discontent in France.
Literature
- Classic literature often portrays malaise as an emotional state that characters must navigate, influencing their decisions and relationships.
- Authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald used malaise in their works to express the emptiness behind the glamour of the Roaring Twenties.
- Malaise can represent the existential crises faced by protagonists in modern novels, exploring deeper themes of identity and meaning.
Art
- The concept of malaise has been depicted in visual arts, often representing disconnection and unease through abstract forms and muted colors.
- Many contemporary artists create works focusing on feelings of malaise, challenging viewers to reflect on their own emotional states.
- Malaise has influenced modern photography, where images capture stillness and the unspoken discomfort of everyday life.
Origin of 'malaise'
Main points about word origin
- 'Malaise' comes from the French words 'mal' meaning 'bad' and 'aise' meaning 'ease', together implying a state of discomfort.
- The term began appearing in English texts during the 19th century to describe feelings of unease or discomfort that were hard to define.
- Its usage expanded from medicine to describe a broader sense of dissatisfaction or discontent in social contexts.
The word 'malaise' originated from the Old French word 'mal aise', which translates to 'discomfort'. It entered the English language in the mid-18th century. The term has been used to describe both physical and societal discomfort, reflecting a sense of unease or stagnation. Over time, 'malaise' has become a commonly used word to convey a general feeling of discomfort or uneasiness, whether in personal health or broader societal contexts.