affliction

IPA/əˈflɪkʃn/
KK[əflˈɪkʃən]IPA/əˈflɪkʃn/

affliction — noun

  • afflictionsingular
  • afflictionsplural

1. something that causes physical or emotional suffering, such as a disease, a pers

1.名詞C1
釋義

something that causes physical or emotional suffering, such as a disease, a personal problem, or a difficult situation

例句

For many older people, arthritis is a common affliction that makes everyday tasks painful.

collocation: common affliction

Mira saw her brother's gambling addiction as an affliction that had taken over his life.

pattern: see [something] as an affliction

同義詞
  • ailment

    used mainly for minor physical illnesses; less dramatic

  • ordeal

    focuses on a painful experience or trial rather than a long-term condition

  • trial

    formal and often religious in tone; suggests a hardship sent to test one's character

反義詞
  • blessing

    something that brings happiness or benefit

文法句型

an affliction + of + [body part / system]

用法筆記

This sense is countable and often appears with 'an' or 'the'. In everyday conversation, 'problem', 'condition', or 'illness' are more common than 'affliction', which carries a formal or literary tone.

常見錯誤

❌I have a small affliction on my finger.
✅I have a small problem with my finger.
💡'affliction' sounds too dramatic for minor everyday issues.
❌He suffers from an affliction of sleep.
✅He suffers from a sleep disorder.
💡'affliction of + noun' is rare in modern English; use 'disorder' or 'condition' instead.

2. a condition in which someone experiences great physical or emotional pain, espec

2.名詞C1
釋義

a condition in which someone experiences great physical or emotional pain, especially for a long period of time

例句

The refugees lived in great affliction after losing their homes in the war.

uncountable: in great affliction

Femi spoke quietly about the affliction he had felt during his long illness.

同義詞
  • suffering

    more general and common; less formal than 'affliction'

  • distress

    focuses more on emotional pain and worry

  • misery

    implies intense, prolonged unhappiness; slightly stronger

反義詞
  • comfort

    a state of physical or emotional ease

  • relief

    the removal of pain or distress

文法句型

in + [adjective] + affliction

affliction + of + [noun]

用法筆記

This sense is usually uncountable ('in affliction', 'great affliction'), but a countable use is possible when referring to a specific instance ('the afflictions of war'). Most common in literary, historical, or formal writing.

常見錯誤

❌She was in an affliction after the breakup.
✅She was in great affliction after the breakup.
💡when describing a state, do not use 'an'; use uncountable 'affliction' with or without an adjective.
❌The affliction of the nation was visible.
✅The nation's suffering was visible.
💡'affliction' can sound overly literary; in everyday contexts 'suffering' is more natural.