afflict - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
afflict Word Meanings
- to cause pain or suffering to someone
- to distress or trouble
- to affect adversely
afflict Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
afflict Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/əˈflɪkt/
US
/əˈflɪkt/
afflict Word Etymology
Root: af- (to) + flict (to strike). Historical origin: Latin 'affligere' → Old French 'affliger' → English 'afflict'. Memory image: Imagine a heavy storm striking a peaceful village, causing great distress.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Afflict is a formal verb meaning to cause pain, suffering, or distress to someone or something, or to affect someone or something in a harmful way. It is often used for illness, tragedy, or hardships that strike a person, community, or place. Unlike inflict, which focuses on imposing something on someone by an outside force, afflict emphasizes the experience of suffering and the condition of being affected. Common collocations include be afflicted with, afflictions, and widespread affliction. Learners sometimes confuse afflict with affect, or with disgust or annoy; remember afflict is about pain or trouble caused, not mere influence or emotion.
Usage Reminders
- 1) Be afflicted with is common for illnesses or hardships. 2) Afflict is active in be afflictED with or be afflicted by in passive form. 3) Distinguish from inflict (to impose). 4) Use affliction as the noun form. 5) Learn common collocations and passive patterns.
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing afflict with affect: affect is to influence, not to cause suffering.
- Assuming afflict only refers to physical pain, ignoring mental or social distress.
- Mixing up be afflicted with vs afflict with usage; prefer be afflicted with for conditions.
- Thinking afflict is informal; it is common in formal writing and news.
- Confusing inflict: inflict is to impose; afflict is to suffer or be affected.
Thinking Differences
For English readers, afflict is a formal, somewhat solemn verb used to describe serious pain, illness, or hardship acting on people or places. Learners often overextend it to everyday nagging annoyances or moods; remember it signals real suffering or disruption, not simple influence or mild irritation.
Learning Tips
- Study common collocations with be afflicted with and be afflicted by
- Practice distinguishing afflict from inflict
- Remember afflict focuses on suffering, not just influence
- Use affliction as the noun to talk about suffering
- Read historical or formal texts to see afflict in context
- Keep be afflicted with for diseases and hardships
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'afflict'?
A.To delight
B.To discover
C.To build
D.To suffer
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'afflict' correctly?
A.The sunshine afflicts the flowers.
B.She felt afflicted by the loss of her pet.
C.He afflicts a new project every week.
D.The students afflicts their homework diligently.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'afflict'?
A.Comfort
B.Bless
C.Torment
D.Praise
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'afflict'?
A.Console
B.Heal
C.Relieve
D.Soothe
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would someone feel afflicted?
A.After receiving a promotion at work
B.On a relaxing vacation at the beach
C.When dealing with a serious illness
D.While attending a fun party
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