ORDEAL Meaning and
Definition
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An ordeal is commonly defined as a highly distressing or difficult experience that one has to endure or go through. Originating from the Latin word "ordalis," meaning "judgment," an ordeal typically refers to a severe test or trial that challenges an individual physically, mentally, or emotionally. It often involves a situation or event that is inherently grueling, demanding, or harrowing, pushing an individual's limits and causing great suffering or hardship.
Ordeals can take various forms, ranging from physical ordeals such as torture, extreme physical exertion, or surviving life-threatening circumstances, to emotional ordeals such as going through traumatic events, intense grief, or enduring a period of prolonged distress. Additionally, an ordeal can also involve enduring a difficult decision-making process or facing severe criticism or judgment from others.
The concept of an ordeal often implies a significant event or circumstance that tests an individual's strength, resilience, and character. It may have profound effects on one's physical and mental well-being, challenging their ability to cope or adapt. However, successfully overcoming an ordeal can result in personal growth, a sense of accomplishment, and strengthen an individual's ability to face future challenges. Ordeals are subjective experiences, as what may be considered an ordeal for one person might not be as burdensome for another.
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Any severe trial or scrutiny; an anc. form of trial to determine guilt or innocence by causing the accused to pass through fire or water.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for ORDEAL *
* 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.
Other Common Misspellings for ORDEAL
Etymology of ORDEAL
The word "ordeal" has its origins in Old English and Old Norse. It comes from the Old English word "ordāl" or "ordēl", which is derived from the Old Norse word "ǫrǫ́ð" or "urðal". The Old English word "ordāl" referred to a legal or religious judgment by which innocence or guilt was determined, often through a physical trial or test of an individual's endurance. This concept was also present in the Old Norse word "ǫrǫ́ð". Over time, the word "ordāl" evolved into "ordeal", retaining its meaning of a difficult or severe trial that someone had to endure to prove their innocence or worth.
Idioms with the word ORDEAL
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ordeal by fire
The idiom "ordeal by fire" refers to a challenging or demanding experience or situation that someone must endure in order to prove their courage, abilities, or worthiness. It originates from historical practices used in some cultures where individuals had to undergo physical trials, typically involving fire, as a test of their innocence or truthfulness. In a modern context, "ordeal by fire" may figuratively describe a difficult test, adversity, or trial that one must go through to demonstrate their capabilities or resilience.
Similar spelling word for ORDEAL
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