Definition

A person or thing that causes great difficulty or exhaustion, often used to describe a challenging task or situation.

Example

The marathon was a true grueler, pushing every runner to their limits.

Conversation

That hike yesterday was a real grueler, wasn't it?

Absolutely! I thought I was going to collapse halfway up.

I know, right? It really pushed our limits.

But it felt so good to finish it despite the challenge!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Grueler is derived from the word 'gruel' (from Old French *gruau*, meaning a thin porridge made from boiling oats or other grains) and the suffix '-er' (meaning a person who). A grueler is a person who prepares or serves gruel.

Memory Tip

Think of someone who prepares a thin porridge ('gruel') — the '-er' indicates that this person is involved in making or serving it.

Visually Confused Words