World Languages Lexicon
10 Language-to-English DictionariesDifficult
/ˈdɪf.ɪ.kəlt/Comprehensive Definitions & Senses
2 senses- 1
Not easy to do, requiring much effort or skill.
"The exam was difficult, challenging even the brightest students." - 2
Hard to understand or deal with.
"The instructions were difficult to follow, leading to confusion."
Thesaurus & Semantic Spectrum
Linguistic Origin & Historical Etymology
The word 'difficult' originates from the Latin 'difficilis', which means 'hard to do'. It evolved through Old French 'difficile' before entering Middle English in the late 14th century, retaining its meaning of something that requires effort or skill to accomplish.
Which of the following is the closest synonym for "Difficult"?
10 Global Lexicons: How "Difficult" is said worldwide
Click any language below to open its dedicated Language to English dictionary page with native script & transliteration
difficile
Transliteration: dee-fee-seel
"Cet examen est difficile."
schwierig
Transliteration: shvee-rig
"Die Prüfung ist schwierig."
difficile
Transliteration: dee-fee-chee-leh
"L'esame è difficile."
difícil
Transliteration: dee-fee-sil
"El examen es difícil."
difícil
Transliteration: dee-fee-sil
"O exame é difícil."
कठिन
Transliteration: kathin
"यह परीक्षा कठिन है।"
困难
Transliteration: kùn nán
"这次考试很困难。"
어려운
Transliteration: eoryeoun
"이번 시험은 어려운."
難しい
Transliteration: muzukashii
"この試験は難しい。"
Related Vocabulary Words to Explore
View all English termsThe state of being exempt from death or the ability to live forever.
A beauty treatment or service that focuses on the care and pampering of the hands, often involving soaking, exfoliation, and moisturizing.
Of little value or importance; insignificant.
Explore Nuanced Synonyms for "Difficult"
Discover exact matches, context-specific alternatives, and antonyms with intensity ratings in the VocabDictionary Thesaurus.
Enhance Your Writing & Grammar Precision
Linguistic Origins & Word Stories
View all stories →How Are Palisade Cells Adapted for Photosynthesis (and Why Are They Called 'Palisade')?
Palisade mesophyll cells are column-shaped, densely packed with chloroplasts, and positioned near the leaf's upper surface to maximize light absorption for photosynthesis. Their name comes from the French word for a defensive fence of wooden stakes, referencing their tightly aligned, upright cellular structure.
What is a SLOT SWOT Analysis and How Do You Actually Do One?
A SLOT SWOT analysis is an expanded strategic planning framework that blends personal or organizational 'SLOT' (Strengths, Limitations, Opportunities, Threats) metrics with traditional 'SWOT' dynamics. It provides a granular approach to evaluating internal capabilities against external market realities.