Torturously Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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torturously
[ˈtɔːrtʃəsli ]
Definition
in a painful or cruel manner
In a way that involves causing great physical or mental suffering.
Synonyms
agonizingly, cruelly, painfully.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| torturously |
Repeated entry, see the first entry. |
| painfully |
Used to describe something that causes pain or discomfort, whether physical or emotional, but not necessarily extreme or prolonged.
|
| cruelly |
Used when describing an action done with deliberate intent to cause suffering or harm. This word carries a negative connotation.
|
| agonizingly |
Used when referring to something causing extreme physical or emotional pain, especially when the suffering is sharp and intense.
|
Examples of usage
- She screamed torturously as the pain shot through her body.
- The prisoner was interrogated torturously for hours on end.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Descriptive literature often uses 'torturously' to evoke deep emotional or physical struggle faced by characters.
- In poetry, the term can illustrate the length and difficulty of a journey, often paralleling personal challenges.
Psychology
- The idea of experiencing something torturous can relate to psychological stress, representing emotional pain that feels prolonged.
- People often describe their greatest fears or anxieties as torturously overwhelming, highlighting how deeply it affects their minds.
Pop Culture
- In movies and TV shows, 'torturously' is frequently used to enhance the drama in scenes where characters face tough decisions or long sufferings.
- Reality shows often feature challenges described as torturously difficult, exaggerating the struggle for entertainment.
Science
- In biology, certain processes can evolve torturously long pathways, such as the way certain species adapt over time in nature.
- Research on chronic pain can discuss feelings described as torturously persistent, emphasizing the enduring nature of suffering.
Origin of 'torturously'
Main points about word origin
- Derived from the Latin word 'tortura', meaning 'twisting' or 'pain', which relates to the original sense of inflicting pain.
- The '-ous' suffix indicates a quality, thus 'torturously' means 'in a manner full of torture or pain'.
The word 'torturously' is derived from the noun 'torturous,' which comes from the Latin word 'tortuosus' meaning full of twists or turns. The adverb form 'torturously' has been used in English since the late 16th century to describe actions or situations that cause extreme pain or suffering.