Pronunciation: [ɐflˈɪkʃən] (IPA) 
The word "affliction" (/əˈflɪkʃən/) is spelled with two F's and one L. The "ff" represents the /f/ sound, which is pronounced when both F's come together. The "li" is pronounced with a short /ɪ/ sound, while the "ct" is pronounced with a /k/ sound. The "ion" ending represents the sound /ʃən/, which is pronounced like the "sh" in "shoe." Together, the word "affliction" describes a state of physical or emotional distress or suffering.
Affliction refers to a state of suffering, hardship, or distress that afflicts an individual or a group of people. It is a noun derived from the verb "afflict," which means to cause pain, distress, or harm. Affliction is characterized by physical, mental, or emotional pain, often resulting from specific circumstances or conditions.
In a physical sense, affliction can refer to an illness, ailment, or bodily discomfort that causes discomfort or reduced functioning. This can range from minor ailments like headaches or common colds to more severe conditions such as chronic diseases or disabilities. In a mental or emotional context, affliction often refers to mental anguish, psychological distress, or emotional hardships that affect a person's well-being, mindset, or quality of life.
The term can also be used in a broader sense beyond an individual's suffering. It can encompass collective struggles faced by a community or society, such as economic hardship, social inequality, political turmoil, or natural disasters. These afflictions can impact the overall welfare and stability of a group, leading to widespread hardship and distress.
Overall, affliction refers to the state of being afflicted by pain, distress, or hardship, and can pertain to various physical, mental, emotional, or societal struggles.
Distress either of body or mind; grief; pain.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* 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.
The word "affliction" originated from the Latin term "afflictio", which is derived from the verb "affligere". "Affligere" is a combination of the prefix "ad-" meaning "to" and "fligere" meaning "to strike or dash against". Therefore, "afflictio" came to signify "a striking against or besieging". Over time, the word "affliction" has come to refer to suffering, pain, or distress experienced by an individual.
