Definition

Not easy to do or deal with; requiring a lot of effort or skill.

Example

The exam was quite difficile, and many students struggled with it.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

I found this math problem really difficile to solve.

Yeah, math can be tough sometimes.

I wish I could find a way to make it less difficile.

Have you thought about getting a tutor? That might help.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Difficile is derived from "difficilis" (meaning hard or difficult), which is composed of "dis-" (meaning apart or not) and "facere" (meaning to do or make). The word describes something that is not easy to do or accomplish.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'not easy to do' — 'dis-' means not, and 'facere' means to do.

Visually Confused Words