difficult in English
- difficult⇄adv. difficultly.
- difficult⇄difficult, adjective.
1. hard to do or understand.
Ex. Arithmetic is difficult for some pupils. Cutting down the tree was difficult. Poetry became, if anything, more ""difficult"" and esoteric (Saturday Review).
(SYN) arduous.
2. - difficult⇄noun difficultness.
difficult in Kashmiri कॉशुर
difficult in Marathi मराठी
difficult in Sindhi سنڌي
difficult
Part of Speech
Adjective
Pronunciation
IPA: /ˈdɪf.ɪ.kəlt/
Definitions
- Not easy to do, understand, or deal with.
- Hard to please or satisfy; demanding.
- Characterized by complexity or hardship.
Usage Examples
- "This math problem is very difficult to solve."
- "He is a difficult person to work with."
- "Crossing the desert was a difficult journey."
Etymology
From Latin "difficilis" (hard to do), from "dis-" (apart) + "facilis" (easy).
Synonyms
hard, challenging, tough, complicated, demanding, arduous
Antonyms
easy, simple, effortless, straightforward
Translations
| Language | Translation | Pronunciation |
|---|---|---|
| French | difficile | /di.fi.sil/ |
| Spanish | difícil | /diˈfiθil/ (Spain), /diˈfisil/ (Latin America) |
| German | schwierig | /ˈʃviːʁɪç/ |
| Hindi | कठिन | /kaṭhina/ |
| Chinese | 困难 | /kùnnán/ |
| Russian | трудный | /ˈtrud.nɨj/ |
Regional Pronunciation Variations
In British English, the last syllable is often pronounced with a schwa sound (/ˈdɪf.ɪ.kəlt/), whereas in American English, it may be more stressed.
Historical Usage
The word "difficult" has been used in English since the late Middle Ages, originally implying resistance or reluctance.
Cultural Nuances
In different cultures, the concept of "difficulty" can vary; for example, in some Eastern traditions, challenges are seen as opportunities for growth rather than obstacles.
More Information
This article explores the psychological impact of difficulty, how it shapes learning, and its linguistic evolution across time.