English Lexicon

Agony

/ˈæɡəni/
nounCEFR B2 (Upper)Top #1500 frequency
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Comprehensive Definitions & Senses

2 senses
As noun
  1. 1

    Extreme physical or mental suffering.

    "After the accident, he was in agony for weeks."
  2. 2

    A state of intense pain or distress.

    "The agony of waiting for the results was unbearable."

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Antonyms & Contrasting Words (1)

Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology

The word 'agony' originates from the Greek word 'agōnia', meaning 'struggle' or 'contest', which evolved through Latin 'agonia' and Old French 'agonie' before entering Middle English. Its meaning has shifted from a general sense of struggle to a more specific focus on intense physical or mental suffering.

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