Word: Painful

Pronunciation

/ˈpeɪnfl/

Definitions

• Adjective: Causing physical or emotional pain; distressing or difficult to experience or endure.

Examples:

• Physical pain: “The recovery from surgery was painful.”
• Emotional pain: “It was a painful realization that she had lost all her savings.”

Phrases

• “A painful process”: Refers to something that involves a lot of difficulty or discomfort.
• “Painful memories”: Past experiences that cause emotional distress when remembered.
• “Painful to watch”: Describes a situation or performance that is so awkward or poor that it’s hard to observe without feeling uncomfortable.

Example Sentences

• Physical pain: “Her ankle twisted painfully as she stepped off the curb.”
• Emotional pain: “It was painful for him to see his childhood home being demolished.”

Synonyms

• Aching
• Unpleasant
• Distressing
• Harrowing
• Excruciating
• Agonizing
• Tormenting
• Sorrowful (for emotional pain)
• Heart-wrenching
• Grievous (for serious or intense pain)