Misery Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ข
misery
[หmษชzษri ]
Definitions
feeling
A state or feeling of great physical or mental distress or discomfort.
Synonyms
agony, anguish, distress, pain, suffering.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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misery |
Misery is generally used to describe a state of great unhappiness or emotional suffering over a longer period.
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distress |
Distress can refer to both physical and emotional suffering, often caused by a particular situation or event.
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suffering |
Suffering is a broad term that encompasses prolonged physical or emotional discomfort. It's often used to describe long-term hardship.
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anguish |
Anguish is intense pain or suffering, often of an emotional or mental nature and typically more severe than distress.
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pain |
Pain is a general term that can describe both physical and emotional discomfort or suffering.
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agony |
Agony refers to intense physical or mental pain, often over a shorter duration but can be very severe.
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Examples of usage
- She was in constant misery after the loss of her beloved pet.
- The refugees were living in misery in the overcrowded camp.
condition
A cause or source of great distress or discomfort.
Synonyms
adversity, hardship, suffering, tribulation, woe.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
misery |
Misery is best used to describe a prolonged state of great unhappiness or discomfort.
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suffering |
Suffering denotes the experience of physical or mental pain.
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hardship |
Hardship describes severe suffering or deprivation, often related to financial, social, or physical difficulties.
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adversity |
Adversity refers to a difficult or unpleasant situation, often involving challenge or misfortune.
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tribulation |
Tribulation is often used in a more formal or literary context to describe severe trials or struggles.
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woe |
Woe indicates great sorrow or distress and is often used in a storytelling or poetic context.
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Examples of usage
- The poverty in the region is a source of misery for the inhabitants.
- The war brought misery to the entire nation.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Feeling of misery can significantly affect mental health, often leading to depression if not addressed.
- Psychological studies suggest that perceived social isolation greatly contributes to feelings of misery.
Literature
- In literature, misery is often a central theme, used to explore human resilience and compassion.
- Famous works like 'Les Misรฉrables' by Victor Hugo illustrate how societal issues can lead to personal misery.
Cultural Perspectives
- Different cultures express and manage feelings of misery in various ways, often through art, music, and storytelling.
- In some traditions, sharing stories of misery can be a way to heal and find communal support.
History
- During times of war and famine, societies have historically faced widespread misery, leading to social reforms.
- The Industrial Revolution saw a rise in misery for many workers, prompting movements for labor rights and reforms.
Origin of 'misery'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'miseria,' which means 'wretchedness' or 'distress.'
- In Middle English, 'misery' referred to physical suffering as well as emotional struggle.
The word 'misery' originated from Middle English 'miserie', from Anglo-Norman French 'miserie', from Latin 'misera' (wretched) + '-ie' (noun-forming suffix). The concept of misery has been a part of human experience throughout history, often associated with poverty, suffering, and hardship. The word has evolved to encompass both the emotional state of distress and the external conditions that cause such distress.