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pain

Transitive Verb[C/U] Both
pl: painspp: paineding: paining

Physical pain is often described as a signal or an alarm, evoking a sense of urgency and biological warning. It carries a raw, visceral quality that demands immediate attention, ranging from a dull ache to a piercing stab. Emotional pain operates as a psychological weight, often associated with grief, regret, or longing. While physical pain is localized, emotional pain is pervasive, coloring a person's entire perspective and often persisting long after the initial cause has vanished.

Countable when referring to specific types or instances of discomfort (e.g., he had several sharp pains in his chest). Uncountable when referring to the general state of suffering (e.g., the world is full of pain).

Meanings

Noun

A physical sensation of discomfort or suffering caused by illness or injury.

"He felt a sharp pain in his lower back."

Noun

Emotional or mental suffering or distress.

"The pain of losing a loved one is universal."

Noun

A person or thing that is particularly annoying or tedious.

"My younger brother can be a real pain when he wants something."

Transitive Verb
[someone]

To cause physical or mental suffering to someone.

"The memory of the accident continued to pain her."

Last Updated: May 27, 2026Report an Error