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Suffered Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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suffered

[ˈsʌfərd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

past tense

The word 'suffered' is the past tense of the verb 'suffer'. It refers to the experience of pain, distress, or hardship. It can be used in both physical and emotional contexts. People often suffer due to various reasons, including illness, loss, or difficult circumstances. The term conveys a sense of enduring something unpleasant and is commonly used in both everyday conversation and literary contexts.

Synonyms

endured, experienced, tolerated, withstood.

Examples of usage

  • She suffered a great loss.
  • He suffered from chronic pain.
  • Many people suffered during the war.
  • They suffered through a harsh winter.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Experiencing suffering is considered a universal part of human existence, shaping empathy and compassion.
  • Research shows that people who have suffered are often more resilient and able to help others through their own struggles.
  • Suffering can lead to personal growth, with many finding meaning and purpose through their painful experiences.

Literature

  • Many poets, like John Milton, have explored themes of suffering in their works, using it to convey deep emotional truths.
  • Suffering is often depicted as a catalyst for character development, where protagonists grow stronger after facing challenges.
  • In Shakespeare's plays, characters frequently suffer as a result of their choices, leading to moral lessons and reflections on human nature.

Cultural Perspectives

  • In Buddhism, suffering is a central theme, with teachings focused on overcoming it through mindfulness and compassion.
  • Many cultures have rituals that acknowledge and process suffering, allowing communities to support one another during tough times.
  • Art and music across cultures often express the experience of suffering, serving as a way to connect and heal through shared expressions.

Health

  • Chronic physical suffering is recognized as a critical aspect of many health conditions, affecting overall well-being.
  • Mental health studies show that untreated emotional suffering can lead to severe conditions like depression and anxiety.
  • Therapeutic approaches often focus on alleviating suffering by addressing both physical symptoms and emotional struggles.

Origin of 'suffered'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'sufferre', which means 'to bear or carry', highlighting the idea of enduring pain.
  • It emerged in Middle English around the 14th century, originally used to describe experiencing hardships.
  • The prefix 'sub' means 'under' and 'ferre' means 'to carry', illustrating how someone carries their burdens.

The term 'suffered' derives from the Latin word 'sufferre', which means 'to bear' or 'to carry'. This root consists of 'sub-' meaning 'under' and 'ferre' meaning 'to carry'. Over time, it evolved into the Old French word 'sofrir', and was incorporated into Middle English as 'soffren'. The transformation emphasized a sense of endurance or bearing pain. Historically, the concept of suffering has been linked to various philosophical, religious, and psychological discussions, exploring the human condition and experiences of pain or distress. The word began to be widely used in literature and both religious and secular texts to convey the complexities of human experiences, forming a foundational aspect of discussions around morality, empathy, and resilience.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,249, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.