Painful: meaning, definitions and examples

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painful

[ ˈpeɪnfʊl ]

^{Context #1}

physical sensation

causing physical or emotional pain; distressing; agonizing

Synonyms

agonizing, distressing, unpleasant

Examples of usage

The injury was very painful and required immediate medical attention.
The breakup was a painful experience for both of them.

^{Context #2}

emotional feeling

involving emotional pain or distress; deeply upsetting

Synonyms

distressing, heartbreaking, upsetting

Examples of usage

The memories of the event were still painful for him.
The decision to leave was a painful one for her.

Translations

Translations of the word "painful" in other languages:

🇵🇹 doloroso

🇮🇳 दर्दनाक

🇩🇪 schmerzhaft

🇮🇩 menyakitkan

🇺🇦 болісний

🇵🇱 bolesny

🇯🇵 痛い

🇫🇷 douloureux

🇪🇸 doloroso

🇹🇷 acı verici

🇰🇷 고통스러운

🇸🇦 مؤلم

🇨🇿 bolestivý

🇸🇰 bolestivý

🇨🇳 痛苦的

🇸🇮 boleč

🇮🇸 sársaukafullur

🇰🇿 ауыртатын

🇬🇪 მტკივნეული

🇦🇿 ağrılı

🇲🇽 doloroso

Word origin

The word 'painful' originated from the Old French word 'painful' meaning full of sorrow or grief. It has been used in English since the 14th century to describe something causing physical or emotional pain. Over the years, its usage has evolved to encompass a wide range of experiences that are distressing or agonizing.