Ordeal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฐ
ordeal
[ษหหdษชษl ]
Definition
difficult experience
An ordeal is a very unpleasant and painful experience, especially one that lasts a long time.
Synonyms
hardship, suffering, trial, tribulation.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| ordeal |
An extremely unpleasant and difficult experience that tests a person's endurance, often used in a more dramatic sense.
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| trial |
A difficult situation that tests someone's patience or endurance, can be used to describe legal matters and personal challenges.
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| tribulation |
Great trouble or suffering, usually used in a more literary or old-fashioned context, often implying a series of difficulties.
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| hardship |
A condition of severe suffering, usually related to financial, physical, or living conditions, and it doesn't necessarily have to be as dramatic or intense as an 'ordeal'.
|
| suffering |
The state of undergoing pain, distress, or hardship, often referring to emotional or physical pain, sometimes on a prolonged basis.
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Examples of usage
- The hostages' ordeal came to an end after weeks of captivity.
- She described her divorce as a traumatic ordeal.
- Surviving the earthquake was a harrowing ordeal for the residents.
- The surgery was a necessary ordeal for her health.
- I hope you never have to go through such a difficult ordeal.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In many classic novels, protagonists face an ordeal that tests their bravery, such as the trials faced by Odysseus in Homer's 'Odyssey'.
- The hero's journey often includes an ordeal that serves as a turning point in the story, representing growth and transformation.
Psychology
- Facing an ordeal can lead to post-traumatic growth, where individuals emerge stronger and more resilient after dealing with trauma.
- Psychologists often study how people cope with ordeals to develop better therapeutic techniques for stress and anxiety.
Cultural Significance
- In many cultures, overcoming an ordeal is celebrated as a rite of passage, marking the transition to adulthood or maturity.
- The idea of endurance in the face of challenges is a common theme in folklore, reflecting societal values of perseverance.
Pop Culture
- 'Survivor' reality shows often center around contestants facing various ordeals to test their limits and win rewards.
- Films frequently feature an average character who must undergo an ordeal, which propels them to discover their hidden strengths.
Origin of 'ordeal'
Main points about word origin
- The word originated in Old English, derived from 'ord' meaning 'spear' and 'deal' meaning 'to distribute'; originally used to refer to a test of a person's character or physical strength.
- It was historically associated with a trial by ordeal, where a personโs fate was determined by a dangerous or painful test.
The word 'ordeal' originated from Old English 'ordฤl', which referred to a judgment or test by which innocence or guilt was determined. The concept of undergoing a severe trial or test to prove oneself dates back to ancient times. Ordeals were often used in medieval Europe as a form of trial by ordeal, where the accused had to undergo physical ordeals such as being burned by hot iron or submerged in boiling water. Over time, the meaning of 'ordeal' evolved to represent any extremely difficult or painful experience.