The spelling of the phrase "more troubling" may seem confusing to non-native English speakers. The "troubling" part of the phrase is pronounced with a schwa sound in the second syllable, represented by the IPA symbol ə. Meanwhile, the "more" part is pronounced with a long "o" sound, represented by the IPA symbol ɔ. This results in the seeming mismatch between the spelling and the pronunciation. However, careful attention to the phonetics can help non-native English speakers master the pronunciation of this common phrase.
"More troubling" is an adjective phrase used to describe a situation, issue, or event that is causing a deeper sense of concern, unease, or alarm. It suggests that the particular matter is even more disquieting than something else or compared to previous circumstances. The phrase emphasizes the escalating level of difficulty, distress, or worry associated with the subject being discussed.
When something is deemed "more troubling," it implies that there may already be related concerns at hand, but the situation in question gives rise to an enhanced or increased level of apprehension or disturbance. It signifies that the matter is causing heightened anxiety, deeper uncertainty, or greater uneasiness.
The phrase "more troubling" is often used to convey the idea that the issue carries further gravity or urgency, deserving more attention or action due to its potentially adverse or negative implications. For example, one might say, "The recent surge in unemployment is concerning, but what is even more troubling is the increasing number of companies going bankrupt."
In summary, the term "more troubling" amplifies the intensity or significance of a particular concern, emphasizing the heightened unease or apprehension associated with it.
The word "troubling" is an adjective derived from the verb "to trouble". The verb "to trouble" has its roots in Old French, where it was spelled "troubler", meaning "to disturb". The Old French word "troubler" was further derived from the Latin word "turbulare", which meant "to agitate" or "to throw into disorder". Both the Old French and Latin words ultimately trace back to the Latin noun "turba", meaning "confusion" or "disturbance". So, when the adjective "troubling" is modified with the word "more", it intensifies the degree or extent of the disturbance or agitation, implying that something becomes even more unsettling or worrisome.