pains
n.-
1 physical or emotional hurting (n.) A2 Elementarymore than one feeling of physical or emotional suffering.
the plural of 'pain', referring to multiple instances or types of physical suffering or emotional distress.
ExampleAfter the long hike, he had sharp pains in his knees and back.
ExampleThe patient described recurring abdominal pains that intensified shortly after eating, suggesting a chronic digestive issue.
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2 careful effort (n.) C1 Advanced Formalgreat care or effort taken to do something correctly.
meticulous effort or trouble taken to accomplish a task; usually appears in the phrase 'to take pains'.
ExampleShe took great pains to make sure every name was spelled correctly.
ExampleThe historian took great pains to verify the authenticity of the letters before publishing his findings.
UsageAlways used in the plural form in this sense; typically follows the verb 'take'.
PitfallHe took pain to finish the work.He took pains to finish the work.In the sense of making a careful effort, the word must be plural: 'pains'.