Langimage
English

distresses

|dis/tress/es|

B2

/dɪˈstrɛsɪz/

(distress)

suffering or worn

Base FormPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleVerb
distressdistressesdistressesdistresseddistresseddistressingdistresses
Etymology
Etymology Information

'distress' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'destresse', where 'de-' meant 'apart' and 'stresse' meant 'tightness'.

Historical Evolution

'destresse' transformed into the Middle English word 'distresse', and eventually became the modern English word 'distress'.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'tightness or constraint', but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain'.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Noun 1

plural form of 'distress', referring to states of extreme anxiety, sorrow, or pain.

The distresses of the victims were evident.

Synonyms

sufferingsagonies

Antonyms

Verb 1

third person singular present tense of 'distress', meaning to cause someone anxiety, sorrow, or pain.

The news distresses her greatly.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45