Pain

Definition

Pain is both a noun and a verb. As a noun, it refers to physical or emotional discomfort or suffering caused by injury, illness, or distress. As a verb, it means to cause discomfort or distress to someone.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /peɪn/
• Respelling: PAYN

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /peɪn/
• Respelling: PAYN

Etymology

The word "pain" originates from Old French "peine," meaning "punishment" or "suffering," derived from Latin "poena," meaning "penalty" or "retribution." It is related to Greek "ποινή" (poinē), meaning "penalty."

Derivatives

• Painful (adjective)
• Painless (adjective)
• Painstaking (adjective)
• Repain (verb, archaic)
• Overpain (noun, rare)

Synonyms

• Ache
• Discomfort
• Suffering

Antonyms

• Relief
• Comfort
• Pleasure

Usage

The term "pain" is widely used in both medical and emotional contexts. For example, "She felt sharp pain in her ankle after the fall," or "The loss of a loved one caused deep emotional pain."

Related Terms

• Discomfort: A state of slight pain or unease.
• Agony: Extreme physical or mental suffering.
• Sensation: A physical feeling resulting from something that happens to the body.

Detailed Definitions

Noun

• Physical discomfort caused by illness or injury:
  • Example: "He experienced severe pain after surgery."
• Emotional distress or suffering:
  • Example: "The news brought great pain to her heart."
• An unpleasant feeling signaling harm to the body:
  • Example: "Chronic pain requires long-term treatment."

Verb

• To cause physical discomfort or suffering:
  • Example: "The old wound still pains him."
• To cause emotional distress:
  • Example: "It pains her to see others in difficulty."