Suffers: Definition, Synonyms, and Usage
Suffers – Definition and Part of Speech
The word “suffers” is a verb derived from the Latin pati, meaning “to endure.” As a verb, it primarily denotes experiencing or being subjected to something harmful, unpleasant, or painful. “Suffers” can appear in various grammatical forms such as:
- Base form: suffer
- Present participle/gerund: suffering
- Simple past: suffered
Core Synonyms
| Synonym | Brief Definition/Nuance | Example Sentence | Style/Register |
|---|---|---|---|
| Endures | To continue to experience something unpleasant without giving up. | “She endures the pain with remarkable strength.” | Formal, Literary |
| Bears | To tolerate or endure hardships, often implying a stoic acceptance. | “He bears his responsibilities with grace.” | Semi-formal, Business |
| Experiences | More neutral term indicating undergoing something, not necessarily painful. | “She experiences fatigue after long hours of work.” | Neutral, Academic |
| Endures | To withstand an ordeal without succumbing to it. | “The soldier endures the harsh conditions with resilience.” | Formal |
| Withstands | Emphasizes resistance against negative effects or pressure. | “Her resolve withstands the test of time.” | Formal, Literary |
Usage Notes
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Endures: Often used in contexts that highlight long-term resilience and patience. It is suitable for formal writing and literary works where a sense of nobility or heroism in facing adversity is intended.
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Bears: Commonly found in both business communication and semi-formal discourse. It suggests acceptance or tolerance, often with an implication of responsibility or duty.
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Experiences: This synonym is versatile and can be applied across various registers, particularly useful when the focus is on the process rather than the intensity of suffering itself. It’s neutral enough for academic writing as well as general communication.
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Withstands: Highlights resistance to negative conditions with an emphasis on strength or stability. This term fits well in both formal essays and narrative contexts where the element of survival against odds is central.
Common Pitfalls
One common pitfall is confusing “suffers” with synonyms like “experiences” when describing a neutral event. While “experiences” can be used broadly to cover any type of encounter, “suffers” specifically connotes hardship or discomfort. Care must be taken not to use these interchangeably without considering the context’s emotional weight.
Another potential confusion arises between “endures” and “withstands,” as both imply a degree of resilience. However, “enduring” suggests ongoing suffering over time, whereas “withstanding” implies resistance at a specific moment or under particular pressures.
Final Recap
In summary, while suffers broadly indicates enduring pain or hardship, its synonyms provide nuanced alternatives tailored to different contexts and registers:
- Endures: Suitable for formal and literary uses where long-term resilience is highlighted.
- Bears: Ideal in business settings for expressing tolerance of responsibilities or pressures.
- Experiences: A neutral choice applicable in academic writing to describe undergoing events without necessarily implying pain.
- Withstands: Best used when emphasizing resistance, fitting both formal essays and narratives with themes of survival.
To master these synonyms, readers should practice incorporating them into varied contexts—crafting sentences for different settings or discussing their meanings in conversation. This will not only expand your vocabulary but also enhance the precision and expressiveness of your communication.