ENGLISH
REFERENCE

suffer

v.
B1 Intermediate Oxford US //ˈsəfɝ// UK //sˈʌfɐ// suf·fer Archaic General-service

v. to feel physical or mental pain. You also use it when something gets worse or becomes less successful because of a problem.

v. to experience physical or mental pain, distress, or hardship. In a broader sense, to undergo a decline in quality or effectiveness due to neglect or adverse conditions.


SIMPLE

Many people suffer from allergies in the spring.

CONTEXTUAL

The company's reputation began to suffer after several customers reported poor service and long delays.

COMPLEX

While the protagonist does not suffer any physical injuries during the ordeal, the narrative focuses heavily on the psychological toll the isolation takes on his mental health.

Synonyms
Antonyms
Origin

From Middle English suffren, from Anglo-Norman suffrir, from Latin sufferre (“to offer, hold up, bear, suffer”), from sub- (“up, under”) + ferō (“I carry”), from Proto-Indo-European *bʰer- (“to bear, carry”). Displaced native Old English þrōwian.

Usage

Often used as an intransitive verb followed by the preposition 'from' when referring to illnesses or conditions.

Pitfall

he suffers a headachehe has a headacheLearners often over-use 'suffer' for minor ailments; it is typically reserved for chronic conditions or intense pain.

Idioms2 entries

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