The spelling of the phrase "suffering with" can be understood using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA). The first syllable, "suf-" is pronounced as /sʌf/, with a short u sound and an f sound. The second syllable, "-fering" is pronounced as /ˈsʌfərɪŋ/, with a schwa sound and a stress on the second syllable. The final word, "with" is pronounced as /wɪð/, with a voiced th sound and a short i sound. When put together, this phrase is pronounced as /ˈsʌfərɪŋ wɪð/.
Suffering with is a phrase used to describe the state of enduring or experiencing a particular condition, illness, affliction, or hardship alongside someone else. It refers to the act of going through a difficult situation in a shared manner, typically involving empathy, support, or acknowledgment of another person's struggle. This expression often implies a sense of companionship or solidarity with those facing challenges, whether it be physical, emotional, or mental.
Suffering with can encompass various scenarios, such as individuals relating to or providing assistance to someone undergoing a physical ailment, such as cancer or chronic pain, or emotional distress, like depression or grief. It may involve standing by someone's side throughout their difficulties, offering a listening ear, understanding, or empathy towards their struggles.
By "suffering with," individuals frequently establish a connection through shared empathy, recognizing and validating each other's pain or difficulties. This united experience can help alleviate feelings of isolation and provide comfort to those facing challenging circumstances.
Ultimately, the concept of "suffering with" emphasizes the importance of human connection, compassion, and support during moments of hardship or adversity, allowing individuals to feel understood, comforted, and encouraged in navigating their particular challenges.
The word "suffering" has its origins in the Old French word "sofrir" which came from the Latin word "sufferre". "Sufferre" is a combination of "sub-" meaning "under" or "below", and "ferre" meaning "to bear" or "to carry". Therefore, the original meaning of "suffering" in English was "to endure" or "to bear".
The phrase "suffering with" is a combination of the verb "suffer" and the preposition "with". The preposition "with" is derived from the Old English word "wið" which means "against" or "opposite". When used in connection with "suffer", "with" signifies that someone is experiencing or enduring the same condition or pain as another person.