Migraine: meaning, definitions and examples

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migraine

 

[ ˈmaɪ.ɡreɪn ]

Noun / Verb
Context #1 | Noun

health condition

A severe, recurring headache, usually affecting one side of the head. Migraines can be accompanied by symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

Synonyms

cephalalgia, headache, migraine headache.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
migraine

This term should be used in a medical or personal context when describing a specific type of severe headache that is often accompanied by other symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and sensitivity to light and sound.

  • I had to miss the meeting because my migraine was so bad.
  • She suffers from migraines, which can be very debilitating.
headache

A general and common term used in everyday conversation to describe pain in the head. It can refer to any type of headache, from mild to severe.

  • I have a headache from staring at the computer screen for too long.
  • He's been complaining of headaches recently.
migraine headache

This more specific phrase is used similarly to 'migraine' but emphasizes that the migraine is a type of headache. It is often used in a medical or personal context.

  • She gets frequent migraine headaches that interfere with her daily life.
  • Doctors are researching new treatments for migraine headaches.
cephalalgia

This technical and formal term is typically used in medical or academic contexts to describe any type of headache. It is not commonly used in everyday conversation.

  • The patient was diagnosed with chronic cephalalgia.
  • The study focused on the various causes of cephalalgia.

Examples of usage

  • My sister suffers from debilitating migraines that leave her bedridden for days.
  • The doctor prescribed medication to help alleviate the symptoms of my migraines.
Context #2 | Verb

informal

To be troubled or distressed by something, often used to describe a persistent issue or challenge.

Synonyms

annoyed, bothered, vexed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
migraine

Appropriate when describing a severe, often debilitating headache that can cause severe pain, nausea, and sensitivity to light and sound.

  • I had to leave work early due to a terrible migraine.
  • She frequently suffers from migraines that make it hard to focus.
bothered

Suitable for describing a state of worry, discomfort, or mild irritation, usually due to external circumstances or actions of others.

  • She seemed bothered by the questions he asked.
  • I am bothered by the way he treats his friends.
annoyed

Use this to express mild irritation or displeasure, often in response to a minor inconvenience or repetitive action.

  • He was annoyed by the constant noise from the construction site.
  • I get really annoyed when people interrupt me.
vexed

Use for describing a state of annoyance or frustration, often involving something that is difficult to solve or understand. This word is less common in everyday speech and can sound more formal or old-fashioned.

  • She was vexed by the seemingly unsolvable puzzle.
  • He was vexed at the delay in receiving his package.

Examples of usage

  • I've been migrained by this problem for weeks and can't seem to find a solution.
  • She was migrained by the constant noise outside her apartment.

Translations

Translations of the word "migraine" in other languages:

🇵🇹 enxaqueca

🇮🇳 माइग्रेन

🇩🇪 Migräne

🇮🇩 migrain

🇺🇦 мігрень

🇵🇱 migrena

🇯🇵 片頭痛 (へんずつう)

🇫🇷 migraine

🇪🇸 migraña

🇹🇷 migren

🇰🇷 편두통 (pyeondutong)

🇸🇦 صداع نصفي

🇨🇿 migréna

🇸🇰 migréna

🇨🇳 偏头痛 (piān tóu tòng)

🇸🇮 migrena

🇮🇸 mígreni

🇰🇿 мигрен

🇬🇪 მიგრენა

🇦🇿 miqren

🇲🇽 migraña

Etymology

The word 'migraine' has its origins in the Greek word 'hēmikrania', meaning 'pain on one side of the head'. The concept of migraines has been documented throughout history, with early descriptions dating back to ancient Egypt. Over time, medical understanding and treatment of migraines have evolved, with advancements in neurology providing more insights into the causes and potential remedies for this condition.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,493, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.