affliction - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
affliction Word Meanings
- a state of pain or distress
- a condition causing suffering
- an unfortunate circumstance
affliction Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
affliction Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/əˈflɪkʃən/
US
/əˈflɪkʃən/
affliction Word Etymology
affliction = 'ad-' (to) + 'flict' (to strike) → from Latin 'afflictio', borrowed into Old French, and then into English. Imagine a storm striking a peaceful village, causing suffering to its inhabitants, symbolizing the sudden distress an affliction brings.
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
Affliction is a formal noun for a state of pain, suffering, or hardship that affects people, animals, or communities. It can describe medical illness, emotional distress, or misfortune brought by events such as war, drought, or poverty. The root verb afflict means to cause such pain, and the phrase 'to be afflicted with' is used for diseases or burdens. Although often found in literary or formal writing, affliction remains common in journalism and history when describing widespread trouble. It is not used to refer to temporary annoyance, which would be called 'nuisance' or 'inconvenience' instead.
Usage Reminders
- Affliction is a noun, not a verb.
- Use 'be afflicted with/by' for diseases or burdens.
- Common collocations: 'great affliction', 'an affliction of poverty'.
- Avoid using it to mean a minor nuisance.
- Beware the pairings with 'afflict' (verb) and 'afflicted' (adjective).
Common Misconceptions
- Confusing affliction with infection or inflammation due to sound.
- Thinking affliction only refers to medical illness.
- Believing afflict is the opposite of afflict; mixing up verb/noun.
- Using affliction for minor annoyances (should be nuisance or inconvenience).
- Assuming 'afflicted' always means physical illness rather than any burden.
Thinking Differences
Affliction is a formal, broad noun for hardship; learners often mix it with everyday discomfort or misuse it with afflict as a verb.
Learning Tips
- Know it's a noun; use 'an affliction' or 'afflictions' in plural.
- Pair with adjectives: 'great affliction', 'serious affliction'.
- Use 'be afflicted with/by' for diseases or burdens.
- Remember the verb form 'afflict' and the adjective 'afflicted'.
- Avoid using for minor annoyances; use 'nuisance' or 'inconvenience' instead.
- Contrast with 'affection' to avoid false friends.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the definition of 'affliction'?
A.A state of happiness
B.A form of entertainment
C.A condition of pain or suffering
D.A celebration of life
Step 2: Usage
Select the correct usage of 'affliction' in a sentence.
A.His affliction for chocolate made him stop eating sweets.
B.Affliction is the key to success in life.
C.She showed great strength despite her affliction with a chronic illness.
D.The artist's affliction was celebrated at the gallery opening.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'affliction'?
A.Joy
B.Suffering
C.Pleasure
D.Harmony
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'affliction'?
A.Joy
B.Heaven
C.Pain
D.Difficulty
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario of someone dealing with a serious medical issue?
A.Someone enjoying a peaceful day at the beach.
B.An athlete celebrating a championship victory.
C.A person working diligently to recover from an accident.
D.A group of friends laughing at a comedy show.
Related Listening
🔥 Advanced
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