How Do You Spell DIFFICULT?

Pronunciation: [dˈɪfɪkə͡lt] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "difficult" can be a little confusing, as it includes two sets of double letters. The first syllable contains the letters "d-i-f-f," making the "f" sound twice. The next syllable includes the letters "i-c," which is pronounced like "ihk." The third syllable includes the double letters "u-l," creating a longer "u" sound. Finally, the last syllable ends with the letters "t" and "ult," pronounced like "tuhlt." The IPA phonetic transcription of "difficult" is /ˈdɪf.ɪ.kəlt/.

DIFFICULT Meaning and Definition

  1. Difficult is an adjective used to describe something that is not easy to accomplish, understand, or deal with. It pertains to a task, a situation, or a concept that presents challenges, obstacles, or complications. It implies a high degree of complexity, requiring significant effort, skill, or perseverance to overcome or comprehend.

    In terms of tasks or activities, difficult suggests that they involve a substantial amount of hard work, problem-solving, or physical exertion. It signifies that they are demanding, intricate, or arduous to complete successfully. For example, solving a complex mathematical equation or climbing a steep mountain can be described as difficult.

    When referring to a situation, difficult implies that it is problematic, uncomfortable, or challenging to handle. It suggests that the circumstances are unfavorable, trying, or sensitive, often demanding diplomacy, tact, or patience. For instance, managing a team during a crisis or dealing with a difficult colleague in the workplace can be daunting.

    Furthermore, difficult can also describe concepts or ideas that are hard to grasp or comprehend. It indicates that they are intellectually complex, abstract, or convoluted, requiring extensive study, analysis, or expertise to understand fully. For example, understanding intricate legal theories or comprehending advanced scientific concepts can be considered difficult.

    Overall, difficult connotes a level of hardship, complexity, or challenge that necessitates significant effort, skill, or mental exertion to overcome, understand, or cope with.

  2. Not easy to be done; hard of accomplishment; attended with labour; arduous; laborious.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for DIFFICULT *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for DIFFICULT

Etymology of DIFFICULT

The word "difficult" originated from the Latin word "difficilis", which is derived from the combination of the prefix "dis-" meaning "not" or "apart" and the root word "facilis" meaning "easy" or "simple". Thus, "difficilis" originally referred to something that was not easy or simple. Over time, this Latin word evolved into "difficultus" in Late Latin and later became "difficult" in English.

Idioms with the word DIFFICULT

  • make life difficult The idiom "make life difficult" means to create challenges or obstacles that complicate or hinder someone's daily existence or activities. It refers to intentionally causing problems or discomfort for others, making their situation harder or more burdensome.
  • make life difficult (for someone) The idiom "make life difficult (for someone)" means purposely creating challenges, obstacles, or complications for someone, making their life more complicated, challenging, or frustrating. It often implies intentional actions taken to cause problems or make someone's situation harder.
  • go through a bad/difficult/rough/sticky patch The idiom "go through a bad/difficult/rough/sticky patch" means to experience a period of time that is challenging, troublesome, or unpleasant. It suggests that someone is facing or going through a series of unfortunate events, problems, or difficulties in their life or a specific situation. It indicates a temporary phase of hardship or struggle.
  • difficult is done at once the impossible takes a little longer This idiom implies that tasks that are perceived as challenging can be accomplished expeditiously, while those that appear impossible or extremely difficult may require more time and effort to achieve. It suggests that although difficult tasks can be tackled efficiently, tasks that are seemingly impossible might need additional patience and perseverance.
  • tread a difficult, solitary, etc. ˈpath
  • have a (hard/difficult) job doing/to do something to have a challenging task or responsibility in performing a particular action or achieving a certain goal.

Similar spelling words for DIFFICULT

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