Pain: meaning, definitions and examples

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pain

[peɪn ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

physical sensation

A highly unpleasant physical sensation caused by illness, injury, or emotional distress. Pain is often described as sharp, dull, throbbing, aching, or burning.

Synonyms

ache, agony, discomfort, suffering.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pain	A general term used to describe physical or emotional hurt. It can vary in intensity and duration. He felt a sharp pain in his lower back The breakup caused her a lot of emotional pain
ache	Refers to a continuous, dull pain, often mild but persistent. Her head began to ache after hours of studying He felt an ache in his muscles after the workout
discomfort	Mild to moderate unease or pain, often temporary and not very intense. The dental procedure caused some discomfort Wearing new shoes can sometimes lead to discomfort
agony	Describes an intense and overwhelming pain, either physical or emotional. Often used to express severe suffering. The soldier's wound caused him great agony She was in emotional agony after hearing the bad news
suffering	Describes a state of ongoing pain or distress, often used in a more emotional or long-term sense. The refugees faced long periods of suffering His illness caused him considerable suffering

Examples of usage

The patient was in excruciating pain after the surgery.
She felt a sharp pain in her lower back when she lifted the heavy box.
His emotional pain was evident in his eyes.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

mental or emotional suffering

Mental or emotional suffering or distress. It can be caused by grief, heartbreak, trauma, or other psychological factors.

Synonyms

anguish, distress, heartache, sorrow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pain	Use this word to describe physical or emotional suffering. It's a general term. She felt a sharp pain in her leg. The news brought pain to everyone involved.
anguish	This term is more intense and is often used to describe severe emotional suffering and despair. He was in anguish after the sudden loss of his job. Her face showed the anguish she felt inside.
distress	This word is commonly used to describe anxiety, hardship, or immediate trouble. The distress on her face was evident. They sent out a distress signal when their boat began to sink.
sorrow	This word is typically used to talk about a deep, long-lasting sadness, often due to loss or disappointment. He was full of sorrow after his friend's death. Her sorrow was evident in her eyes.
heartache	Best used to express deep emotional pain, especially related to love or personal loss. She felt heartache after their breakup. The heartache of losing a loved one is unbearable.

Examples of usage

She was in pain after the loss of her beloved pet.
The pain of rejection was overwhelming for him.
The character in the novel experienced deep emotional pain.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'pain' comes from the Latin word 'poena' which means punishment or penalty.
In Old French, 'paine' referred to suffering; the evolution reflects the connection between distress and human experience.

Science

Pain is processed by specialized nerve cells that send signals to the brain, alerting you to potential harm.
There are different types of pain: acute (short-term) and chronic (long-lasting) – each with varying causes and treatment methods.
Studies show that emotional pain can activate similar pathways in the brain as physical pain, indicating a shared biological basis.

Psychology

Pain perception can be affected by mental state; stress and anxiety may amplify feelings of pain.
Pain has a significant impact on mood, often leading to feelings of sadness or frustration.
Coping strategies such as mindfulness and cognitive behavioral therapy can help individuals manage their pain.

Cultural Perspectives

Many cultures have unique expressions or practices to deal with pain, such as traditional healing methods or specific rituals.
In literature and art, the depiction of pain often serves as a profound theme, exploring human suffering and resilience.
Different societies have varying attitudes toward expressing pain, with some encouraging openness while others promote stoicism.

Pop Culture

The phrase 'No pain, no gain' is popular in fitness culture, emphasizing that discomfort can lead to growth.
Pain is a common theme in music, often used to convey deep emotions in genres like blues and rock.
Films often depict pain as a catalyst for character development, illustrating the transformative journey that follows suffering.

Translations

Translations of the word "pain" in other languages:

🇵🇹 dor

🇮🇳 दर्द

🇩🇪 Schmerz

🇮🇩 rasa sakit

🇺🇦 біль

🇵🇱 ból

🇯🇵 痛み (いたみ)

🇫🇷 douleur

🇪🇸 dolor

🇹🇷 ağrı

🇰🇷 통증 (tongjeung)

🇸🇦 ألم

🇨🇿 bolest

🇸🇰 bolesť

🇨🇳 痛苦 (tòngkǔ)

🇸🇮 bolečina

🇮🇸 sársauki

🇰🇿 ауырсыну

🇬🇪 ტკივილი

🇦🇿 ağrı

🇲🇽 dolor

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #1,197, this word is part of core intermediate vocabulary. It appears regularly in various contexts and is essential for natural-sounding English.

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1199 spring
1200 employee
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