agonizing
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: //ˈæɡənaɪzɪŋ//
KK: /ˈæɡəˌnaɪzɪŋ/
adjective
Definition
Causing extreme pain or suffering, either physically or emotionally.
Example
The agonizing wait for the test results left her feeling anxious and restless.
Conversation
I just finished that book, and it was so agonizing to read at times.
Really? What made it so hard to get through?
The plot was slow, and some scenes were just too agonizing to handle.
I hate when that happens! It makes you want to give up on it.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
excruciating
torturous
painful
Antonyms
pleasant
easy
bearable
verb
Definition
To experience intense pain or suffering, either physically or emotionally.
Example
She was agonizing over the decision to move away from her family.
Tense Forms
Past: agonized
Past Participle: agonized
Conversation
I was agonizing over which movie to watch tonight.
Why not just pick one and go for it?
It's hard! I keep agonizing about the reviews.
Root Explanation
Agonizing is formed from "agon" (from Greek "agōn", meaning contest or struggle) and the suffix "-izing" (indicating the process of making or causing). The word describes the process of causing great physical or mental pain, akin to a struggle or contest of suffering.
Memory Tip
Think of 'agon' as a struggle or contest, which helps you remember that 'agonizing' means going through a painful struggle.
Visually Confused Words
patronizing
agoing