Basic Details
Word: Distress
Part of Speech: Noun / Verb
Meaning: A state of suffering or being in danger; great worry or pain.
Synonyms: Suffering, agony, trouble, anxiety
Antonyms: Comfort, relief, happiness, ease
Idioms and Phrases
- In distress: Used to describe someone who is experiencing great suffering or difficulty. Example: "The lost puppy was in distress, looking for its owner."
- Cause distress: To bring about feelings of worry or sadness in someone. Example: "His sudden departure caused distress among his friends."
Usage Examples
Example 1: When the storm hit the village, many families were in distress and sought shelter.
Example 2: Seeing her friend upset, she offered help to ease his distress.
Example 3: The distress caused by the loud music made it hard for the students to concentrate on their studies.
Fun Fact
The word "distress" comes from the Latin word "distrahere," which means "to pull apart" or "to lay under great pressure." This reflects how distress can make one feel overwhelmed and stretched thin.
Famous Quote
"The greatest victims of the system are not the people who find themselves in distress, but those who cannot find a way out." - Unknown
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "distress" mean?
a) A feeling of joy
b) A state of suffering or worry
c) A type of food
d) A fun game
Answer: b) A state of suffering or worry
2. Which of these is a synonym of "distress"?
a) Ease
b) Comfort
c) Agony
d) Happiness
Answer: c) Agony
3. Which of the following is an antonym of "distress"?
a) Suffering
b) Trouble
c) Happiness
d) Anxiety
Answer: c) Happiness
4. Which sentence uses "distress" correctly?
a) The boat was in distress during the storm.
b) The cake was distressful and delicious.
c) The cat was distressing at the tree.
d) She quickly finished her homework in distress.
Answer: a) The boat was in distress during the storm.
5. Which idiom means to experience suffering?
a) In distress
b) Out of the blue
c) A piece of cake
d) On the edge
Answer: a) In distress
