distress - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
distress Word Meanings
- a state of emotional suffering
- extreme anxiety or sorrow
- to cause someone to feel upset or anxious
distress Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
distress Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/dɪsˈtrɛs/
US
/dɪsˈtrɛs/
distress Word Etymology
dis- = apart, stress = to draw tight. Historical origin: Latin 'dēstrictus' → Old French 'destrecier' → English. Memory image: Imagine a rubber band pulled tight and then snapping back, representing the stress that pulls you apart emotionally.
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 InputEnglish Brain Route
I place my palms on the steering wheel and take a slow breath, watching the road as the car shifts into a quiet pace. A knot in my chest tightens, I hold still, then tilt my head and adjust my grip to steady the tremor of worry. The moment feels like a push against a rush of thoughts, a decision to stay present rather than bolt toward fear. With the road ahead, distress becomes a signal I carry, a learned rhythm I keep in check as I use it to guide my next move.
Real Context
Distress is a strong feeling of emotional suffering or anxiety, often triggered by a difficult situation, loss, danger, or overwhelming news. In everyday use, we distinguish distress from ordinary worry or fatigue: distress implies a severe, sometimes immediate, impact on a person’s well being. It can describe a state (a person in distress) or the act of causing distress to others (to distress someone). Distress can be mental, emotional or physical, and it commonly appears in medical, legal or humanitarian contexts, such as distress signals, in distress at sea, or a country in economic distress. In informal speech, people might say they are in distress or feel distressed about a personal problem; the tone is serious, not casual.
Usage Reminders
- Notice collocations like distress signal and being in distress; distinguish noun vs verb; avoid conflating distress with stress; check formal contexts (medical, maritime, humanitarian); use intransitive vs transitive forms appropriately; practice with real-life examples.
Common Misconceptions
- Distress means only extreme fear or danger; it is broader and can be emotional or physical.
- Distress and stress are interchangeable in everyday use.
- Distress cannot take a verb form; you can only say someone is distressed, not distressing them.
- Distress always refers to ongoing hardship rather than a sudden event.
- Distress is only used in medical or nautical contexts.
Thinking Differences
English learners often note that distress is more severe than regular stress and can describe both emotional and physical states; they may overgeneralize to all anxious feelings and overuse distress in casual contexts.
Learning Tips
- Learn the main senses: emotional suffering vs severe anxiety.
- Note fixed phrases: distress signal, in distress.
- Distress as verb is rare; recognize distress someone or being distressed.
- Contrast with stress to avoid false friends.
- Use authentic examples from news or medical contexts.
- Create a mini glossary of synonyms like anguish, hardship, trouble.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'distress'?
A.Happiness
B.Comfort
C.Joy
D.Suffering
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'distress' used correctly?
A.The party brought them great distress.
B.He felt calm and distress with the situation.
C.She was in distress after receiving good news.
D.Distress always follows laughter.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is an antonym of 'distress'?
A.Content
B.Peaceful
C.Pleasure
D.Joyful
Step 4: Opposite Words
In what real-life context might someone experience distress?
A.Winning a lottery
B.Receiving a promotion
C.Going on a vacation
D.Failing an exam
Step 5: Mastery
Reflect on a time when you or someone you know experienced distress.
A.Memory
B.Dream
C.Hope
D.Adventure
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App