Pain Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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pain
[peɪn ]
Definitions
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 |
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pain |
A general term used to describe physical or emotional hurt. It can vary in intensity and duration.
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ache |
Refers to a continuous, dull pain, often mild but persistent.
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discomfort |
Mild to moderate unease or pain, often temporary and not very intense.
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agony |
Describes an intense and overwhelming pain, either physical or emotional. Often used to express severe suffering.
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suffering |
Describes a state of ongoing pain or distress, often used in a more emotional or long-term sense.
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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.
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.
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anguish |
This term is more intense and is often used to describe severe emotional suffering and despair.
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distress |
This word is commonly used to describe anxiety, hardship, or immediate trouble.
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sorrow |
This word is typically used to talk about a deep, long-lasting sadness, often due to loss or disappointment.
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heartache |
Best used to express deep emotional pain, especially related to love or personal loss.
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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.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
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.
Origin of 'pain'
Main points about word origin
- 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.
The word 'pain' originated from the Latin word 'poena' which means 'punishment' or 'penalty'. Over time, the meaning evolved to refer to the physical or emotional sensation of distress or suffering. Pain is a universal human experience that has been studied and treated by various medical and psychological disciplines.
See also: painful, painfully, painfulness, painkiller, painkillers, painstakingly.
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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