pains
- 01 A2 Elementary
more than one feeling of physical or emotional suffering.
the plural of 'pain', referring to multiple instances or types of physical suffering or emotional distress.
Simple“After the long hike, he had sharp pains in his knees and back.”
In context“The patient described recurring abdominal pains that intensified shortly after eating, suggesting a chronic digestive issue.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
great 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'.
Simple“She took great pains to make sure every name was spelled correctly.”
In context“The 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'.
Antonyms
“He told the court he was driven to kill Thompson because of his experience with the healthcare system "after years of enduring severe pains from a broken back".”
“As a minority citizen, one shares the joys and pains and achievements of others.”