The spelling of the word "difficult" can be a little confusing, as it includes two sets of double letters. The first syllable contains the letters "d-i-f-f," making the "f" sound twice. The next syllable includes the letters "i-c," which is pronounced like "ihk." The third syllable includes the double letters "u-l," creating a longer "u" sound. Finally, the last syllable ends with the letters "t" and "ult," pronounced like "tuhlt." The IPA phonetic transcription of "difficult" is /ˈdɪf.ɪ.kəlt/.
Difficult is an adjective used to describe something that is not easy to accomplish, understand, or deal with. It pertains to a task, a situation, or a concept that presents challenges, obstacles, or complications. It implies a high degree of complexity, requiring significant effort, skill, or perseverance to overcome or comprehend.
In terms of tasks or activities, difficult suggests that they involve a substantial amount of hard work, problem-solving, or physical exertion. It signifies that they are demanding, intricate, or arduous to complete successfully. For example, solving a complex mathematical equation or climbing a steep mountain can be described as difficult.
When referring to a situation, difficult implies that it is problematic, uncomfortable, or challenging to handle. It suggests that the circumstances are unfavorable, trying, or sensitive, often demanding diplomacy, tact, or patience. For instance, managing a team during a crisis or dealing with a difficult colleague in the workplace can be daunting.
Furthermore, difficult can also describe concepts or ideas that are hard to grasp or comprehend. It indicates that they are intellectually complex, abstract, or convoluted, requiring extensive study, analysis, or expertise to understand fully. For example, understanding intricate legal theories or comprehending advanced scientific concepts can be considered difficult.
Overall, difficult connotes a level of hardship, complexity, or challenge that necessitates significant effort, skill, or mental exertion to overcome, understand, or cope with.
Not easy to be done; hard of accomplishment; attended with labour; arduous; laborious.
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 "difficult" originated from the Latin word "difficilis", which is derived from the combination of the prefix "dis-" meaning "not" or "apart" and the root word "facilis" meaning "easy" or "simple". Thus, "difficilis" originally referred to something that was not easy or simple. Over time, this Latin word evolved into "difficultus" in Late Latin and later became "difficult" in English.