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Tribulations: meaning, definitions and examples

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tribulations

 

[ˌtrɪbjuˈleɪʃənz ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

difficulties

Tribulations refer to a state of great trouble or suffering. It can be a period of adversity, affliction, or hardship that tests one's endurance. Tribulations are often seen as challenges that one must overcome in life.

Synonyms

difficulties, hardships, trials.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
tribulations

Used to describe severe suffering or trouble, often in a more dramatic or historical sense. It suggests ongoing or significant challenges.

  • The hero faced many tribulations on his journey to save the kingdom.
  • Despite the tribulations they encountered, the pioneers never lost hope.
hardships

Refers to severe, sustained struggles or suffering, especially of a physical, financial, or emotional nature. It often conveys a sense of endurance.

  • They endured many hardships during the economic recession.
  • The soldiers' families faced great hardships while their loved ones were away at war.
trials

Describes challenging or testing experiences, often suggesting a process through which someone is being tested. It can have a formal or informal application.

  • The athlete went through many trials before finally reaching the championship.
  • She saw her illness as a trial that would eventually make her stronger.
difficulties

Commonly used in everyday situations to denote challenges or obstacles that need to be overcome. It has a neutral tone and can apply to both minor and major issues.

  • She had some difficulties with her math homework.
  • The project faced several difficulties, but the team was determined to succeed.

Examples of usage

  • Despite the tribulations she faced, she never lost hope.
  • The tribulations of war have left deep scars on the country.
  • His faith helped him endure the tribulations of life.
  • Going through tribulations can make a person stronger.
  • The tribulations of the past have shaped who he is today.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The word 'tribulation' comes from the Latin 'tribulatio,' which means to sift or winnow, similar to separating grain from chaff.
  • It was initially used in the context of farming to describe the labor and struggle involved in harvesting crops.
  • By the 14th century, it evolved to signify any kind of suffering or distress related to life’s challenges.

Literature

  • Tribulations are often central themes in literature, representing characters’ struggles and growth, as seen in classic works like 'The Pilgrim’s Progress'.
  • Many authors, including John Milton and William Shakespeare, depicted tribulations to explore human resilience and moral lessons.
  • In modern literature, the concept reflects the inner conflicts protagonists face, highlighting the journey towards personal triumph.

Religion

  • In Christian texts, tribulations are often discussed as tests of faith or part of the path to salvation, emphasizing the spiritual growth through suffering.
  • The term appears frequently in the Book of Revelation, where it symbolizes the hardships faced before a final act of divine redemption.
  • Various faith traditions see tribulations as opportunities to develop virtues like patience, courage, and compassion.

Psychology

  • Psychologically, undergoing tribulations can lead to resilience, as overcoming adversity strengthens coping mechanisms and adaptability.
  • Research indicates that people often experience personal growth after facing major life challenges, known as 'post-traumatic growth'.
  • Therapeutic practices suggest embracing tribulations as part of the human experience can improve emotional intelligence and empathy.

Pop Culture

  • Tribulations are often depicted in movies and songs, representing the struggles characters face, such as in movies like 'The Pursuit of Happyness'.
  • Many popular songs resonate with themes of overcoming difficulties, making tribulations relatable to listeners across generations.
  • Reality TV often showcases contestants facing tribulations designed to test their limits, reflecting the universal nature of struggle.

Translations

Translations of the word "tribulations" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tribulações

🇮🇳 कठिनाइयाँ

🇩🇪 Bedrängnisse

🇮🇩 kesulitan

🇺🇦 невзгоди

🇵🇱 uciski

🇯🇵 試練

🇫🇷 tribulations

🇪🇸 tribulaciones

🇹🇷 sıkıntılar

🇰🇷 시련

🇸🇦 محَن

🇨🇿 útrapy

🇸🇰 útrapy

🇨🇳 磨难

🇸🇮 stiske

🇮🇸 þrautir

🇰🇿 қиындықтар

🇬🇪 ტანჯვა

🇦🇿 əziyyətlər

🇲🇽 tribulaciones

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #22,012, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.