Difficult

Definition

Difficult is an adjective that describes something that requires considerable effort, skill, or endurance to accomplish or understand. It can also refer to someone or something that is hard to deal with or manage.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈdɪfɪˌkʌlt/
• Respelling: DIF-ih-kult

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈdɪfɪkəlt/
• Respelling: DIF-ih-kuhlt

Etymology

The word "difficult" originates from the Latin "difficilis," meaning "hard to do" or "not easy," from "dis-" (not) and "facilis" (easy). It entered Middle English through Old French "dificulté," maintaining its sense of complexity or challenge.

Derivatives

• Difficulty (noun)
• Difficultly (adverb)
• Indifferent (adjective)
• Difficulties (plural noun)
• Difficultness (noun)

Synonyms

• Challenging
• Hard
• Demanding

Antonyms

• Easy
• Simple
• Effortless

Usage

The term "difficult" is commonly used to describe tasks or concepts that are challenging to complete or understand, as in "Math can be difficult for some students." It can also refer to a challenging person, such as "He can be difficult to work with."

Related Terms

• Complex: Consisting of many interconnected parts, making it hard to understand.
• Complicated: Involving numerous parts or factors, making it hard to understand or explain.
• Demanding: Requiring much skill, effort, or patience.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Requiring effort, skill, or endurance to accomplish: Describes something that is not easy and demands concentration or hard work.
  • Example: "The project was difficult due to its complexity."
• Hard to understand or solve: Used to refer to tasks, concepts, or ideas that are not easily comprehended.
  • Example: "This concept in physics is particularly difficult."
• Hard to deal with or uncooperative: Often used to describe people or situations that are challenging to manage.
  • Example: "The employee was known to be difficult in group settings."