suffer - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
suffer Word Meanings
- to experience pain or distress
- to endure something difficult
- to allow or permit something unpleasant
suffer Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
suffer Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈsʌfə/
US
/ˈsʌfər/
suffer Word Etymology
suffer = sub- (under) + ferre (to carry) → Latin → Old French → English; Imagine someone carrying burdens under their weight, experiencing pain as they carry it.
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
First I tighten my grip and push through a moment of pressure, my breath catching as I move a step forward. A dull ache grows in my body, I shift my weight and adjust my pace, trying to hold steady. It feels like a small test I set for myself, a decision to keep going even when it hurts. By the end, the pain stays, but I learn to bear it, to distinguish between harm and endurance, to suffer without breaking.
Real Context
Suffer is a verb that means to experience pain or distress, whether physical, emotional, or mental. It is commonly used with from when describing a disease or hardship (she suffered from migraines; the company suffered losses). It also means to endure something difficult or unpleasant, often with effort, patience, or acceptance (they suffered through the long drought; he suffered at his job). In formal or legal use, it can mean to permit or tolerate something, but this sense is rare today and usually replaced by permit or allow.
Usage Reminders
- Learn common collocations: suffer from and suffer through.
- Note the nuance between experiencing pain/distress and enduring something.
- Be aware of the rare formal sense meaning to permit; prefer permit/allow instead.
- Practice with figures of speech: suffer a loss, suffer injuries.
- Watch for passive forms: suffered, suffering.
- Use authentic context: illness, hardship, legal situations.
Common Misconceptions
- Suffer always means physical pain; it can also describe emotional distress.
- Suffer does not mean 'permit' in modern usage; that sense is rare.
- Confusing 'suffer from' with 'suffer through' without noticing the nuance.
- Mistaking 'suffer' for 'endure' in casual contexts can overstate resilience.
- Thinking 'to suffer' is the same as 'to tolerate' in all contexts.
Thinking Differences
English uses suffer in several common collocations (suffer from, suffer through, suffer losses). Learners often mix it up with endure or tolerate, or mistakenly think it can mean 'permit.' Pay attention to the object after from/through and to the emotional nuance.
Learning Tips
- Learn common collocations: suffer from and suffer through.
- Compare with endure and tolerate to grasp nuances.
- Note irregular forms: suffered, suffering.
- Practice with illness, hardship, and legal contexts.
- Create sentences using both from and through.
- Read native material to hear real-world usage.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'suffer'?
A.Eat voraciously
B.Laugh uncontrollably
C.Endure pain or distress
D.Sleep peacefully
Step 2: Usage
In which of the following sentences is 'suffer' used correctly?
A.She suffered from a fit of giggles.
B.I suffered to complete my homework.
C.They suffered a good night's sleep.
D.He suffered a delicious meal.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'suffer'?
A.Endure
B.Enjoy
C.Avoid
D.Accept
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is the opposite of 'suffer'?
A.Tolerate
B.Thrive
C.Pain
D.Struggle
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would someone use the word 'suffer'?
A.Discussing a comfortable bed
B.Celebrating a success
C.Complaining about a luxury vacation
D.Talking about a difficult experience
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
🔥 Advanced
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