suffer
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈsʌfər/
KK: /ˈsʌfər/
intransitive verb
Definition
To feel pain or distress, or to experience something unpleasant.
Example
Many people suffer from anxiety during stressful times.
Tense Forms
Past: suffered
Past Participle: suffered
Conversation
I can't believe how much he seems to suffer in silence during those tough times.
Yeah, it's really hard to watch someone go through that alone.
I wish he would just talk to us instead of letting himself suffer like this.
Me too! We could help him if he opened up.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
endure
bear
withstand
Antonyms
thrive
prosper
flourish
transitive verb
Definition
To experience something painful or unpleasant; to endure hardship or distress.
Example
Many people suffer from anxiety during stressful times.
Tense Forms
Past: suffered
Past Participle: suffered
Conversation
I can't believe how much we suffer during exam week.
I know, right? It feels like there's no end in sight.
Exactly! I wish we could just skip all the stress we have to suffer through.
Root Explanation
Suffer → It originates from the Latin 'sufferre', which is formed from 'sub-' (meaning under) and 'ferre' (meaning to bear or carry). The word describes the act of bearing something that is under or difficult to endure.
Memory Tip
Think of 'bearing' something 'under' — that's why to suffer means to endure pain or hardship.
Visually Confused Words
stuffer
snuffer
scuffer
squiffer
snuffler
snuffers
shuffler
scuffler