DIFFICULT

Definition of DIFFICULT

DIFFICULT Adjective

Difficult is an adjective that describes something that is hard to accomplish, deal with, or understand. It denotes a level of complexity, challenge, or resistance that makes tasks, situations, or individuals tough to manage.

As an Adjective (Hard to Accomplish or Understand): As an adjective, difficult characterizes tasks or situations that require considerable effort, skill, or understanding to complete or deal with. For example, “The exam was very difficult” means that the test required a high level of knowledge and effort to pass.

As an Adjective (Challenging Behavior or Personality): Difficult can also describe a person or behavior that is hard to deal with or manage, often due to stubbornness, irritability, or other challenging traits. For instance, “He is a difficult person to work with” indicates that he has a personality or behavior that makes collaboration challenging.

Examples in Language: In language, difficult is used to express the degree of challenge or complexity in various contexts. For example, “The instructions were difficult to follow” indicates that the guidelines were hard to understand and implement.

Contextual Uses: Difficult can be applied in various contexts, including: Tasks and Challenges: Referring to activities or problems that require significant effort and skill to overcome. Learning and Understanding: Describing concepts or subjects that are hard to comprehend. Behavior and Personality: Indicating individuals who are challenging to interact with due to their attitude or behavior.

Characteristics of Difficult: Complexity: Represents the intricate or complicated nature of something. Challenge: Reflects the level of effort and skill required to accomplish or deal with something. Resistance: Involves the presence of obstacles or opposition that make tasks or interactions harder.

Implementing the Concept of Difficult: Problem-Solving: Applying difficult in the context of addressing and overcoming complex challenges. Education and Learning: Understanding and utilizing difficult to describe and manage hard-to-understand subjects or concepts. Interpersonal Relations: Recognizing and dealing with difficult individuals in personal and professional settings.

Cultural and Practical Perspectives: The concept of difficult is significant in education, problem-solving, and interpersonal interactions. It underscores the importance of effort, perseverance, and skill in overcoming challenges and managing complex situations or behaviors.

In conclusion, difficult is an adjective that describes something hard to accomplish, deal with, or understand. Recognizing the characteristics and applications of difficult emphasizes its role in tasks, learning, and behavior, highlighting the value of effort, perseverance, and skill in various contexts.

Examples of DIFFICULT in a sentence

  • The math problem was particularly difficult and required multiple steps to solve.
  • She found the new software to be difficult to navigate at first.
  • The difficult negotiations tested the patience and skills of the entire team.
  • He faced a difficult decision about whether to accept the job offer or not.
  • The difficult terrain made hiking the trail more challenging than expected.
  • The difficult part of the recipe was mastering the timing for baking the cake.
  • Her difficult schedule left her with little time for relaxation.
  • The difficult customer required extra attention and care from the support team.

Origin of DIFFICULT

The term difficult has an extensive etymological history, tracing its evolution from Latin origins to its present-day usage in English.

Semantic Context: Difficult describes something that is hard to achieve, understand, or accomplish, often requiring significant effort or skill.

  • Origins of “Difficult”: The word “difficult” comes from the Latin word “difficilis,” which means “hard to do” or “not easy.” This Latin term is composed of “dis-” (not) and “facilis” (easy), derived from “facere,” meaning “to do” or “to make.” Thus, “difficilis” literally means “not easy.”
  • Introduction to English: The term “difficult” entered Middle English through Old French, where “difficulte” was used to describe challenges or obstacles. The adaptation into English retained the meaning related to difficulty and complexity.
  • Evolution in Usage: Over time, “difficult” has come to describe anything that presents a challenge or requires considerable effort. Its use has expanded from describing physical or practical challenges to include abstract or intellectual difficulties.
  • Modern Application: Today, difficult is used broadly to refer to any task, situation, or concept that is hard to deal with or understand, often implying a need for perseverance or skill to overcome.

The term difficult illustrates how words can evolve from their original meanings to encompass a wider range of contexts, reflecting changes in how we perceive and describe challenges and complexities.

Synonyms

  • Challenging
  • Hard
  • Tough
  • Complicated
  • Arduous
  • Demanding
  • Strenuous
  • Problematic

Antonyms

  • Easy
  • Simple
  • Straightforward
  • Effortless
  • Clear
  • Uncomplicated
  • Relaxed
  • Painless

Related

  • Complexity
  • Obstacle
  • Struggle
  • Effort
  • Task
  • Problem
  • Challenge
  • Labor

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