What is difficult? Pronunciation and usage in English

difficult means . Learn how to pronounce and use difficult through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of difficult

difficultadjective

/ˈdɪfɪklt/
Definition & pronunciation of difficult

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "difficult" in English. It's a common stumbling block for non-native speakers! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllables:

The word "difficult" is broken down into three syllables:

  • di (like the beginning of "dinner")
  • fi (like the beginning of "fish")
  • cult (rhymes with "salt")

2. Phonetic Breakdown (using IPA - International Phonetic Alphabet - which is the most accurate way):

  • di: /dɪ/ (a short, quick "i" sound, as in "bit")
  • fi: /fɪ/ (a short, quick "i" sound, as in "fit")
  • cult: /kʌlt/ (This is the trickiest part!)
    • k: as in "kite"
    • uh: a short, neutral vowel sound, like "uh" in "water" (but shorter)
    • lt: sounds like "lt" in "light"

3. Putting it together:

So, the full pronunciation is: /dɪˈfɪˌkʌlt/

4. A more descriptive breakdown for non-IPA speakers:

  • di: Say "dee" quickly.
  • fi: Say "fee" quickly.
  • cult: This is where many people struggle. It's almost like you're saying "cult" but softening the "u" sound a little and adding a slight "uh" in between. Think of a very light, quick "uh" sound attached to "cult." It’s not a clear "uh," it's more like a brief pause or a slight reduction of the vowel.

5. Tips for getting it right:

  • Listen to native speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it. Search on YouTube for “how to pronounce difficult” and listen to several examples. Pay attention to how the second syllable ("fi") is pronounced – it's not a long "fee."
  • Slow it down: Practice saying each syllable separately, and then slowly blend them together.
  • Don't overemphasize the second "i": It's a short, quick sound.
  • Focus on the "cult" part: This is the key to getting it right.

Resources for Hearing Pronunciation:

Would you like me to:

  • Give you some example sentences using "difficult"?
  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?

Usage and examples with the word difficult in English

Let's break down how to use the word "difficult" in English. It's a very common word, but it can have slightly different nuances depending on how you use it.

1. As an Adjective (Describing something challenging):

This is the most common use. "Difficult" describes something that requires effort, skill, or patience to do.

  • Example: "This math problem is difficult." (It's hard to solve.)
  • Example: "Learning to play the piano is difficult." (It takes time and practice.)
  • Example: “The terrain was difficult to navigate.” (The path was challenging.)

2. As an Adjective (Describing a person – often with a negative connotation):

When used to describe a person, "difficult" usually implies they are challenging to deal with – potentially stubborn, demanding, or unpleasant. Be careful with this usage because it can be perceived as judgmental.

  • Example: “He’s a difficult customer.” (He’s demanding and hard to please.) This is often used in a business context.
  • Example: “She can be a difficult person to get along with.” (She's challenging to be friends with.)
  • Important Note: There are often more constructive ways to describe someone who is challenging, like “demanding,” “opinionated,” or “challenging.”

3. As an Adverb (Describing how something is done):

Here, "difficultly" refers to the state of having trouble.

  • Example: “He faced many difficulties during his journey.” (He experienced many problems.)
  • Example: “She overcame great difficulties to achieve her goals.” (She dealt with significant challenges.)
  • Example: "There's a difficultly with the shipment." (There's a problem with the shipment.)

4. Phrases using "Difficult":

  • Difficult to say: Meaning it's hard to express something, often because it's sensitive or uncomfortable.
    • “It's difficult to say how I feel about it.”
  • Difficult to do: Meaning requiring a lot of effort.
    • “It’s difficult to do without help.”
  • Difficult problem: A complex or challenging problem.
  • Difficult situation: A challenging or troublesome situation.

Tips for Using "Difficult" Effectively:

  • Be specific: Instead of just saying something is "difficult," try to explain why it’s difficult. For example, “It’s difficult because the instructions are unclear.”
  • Consider alternatives: Sometimes, words like “challenging,” “complex,” “complicated,” “arduous,” or “tough” can be better choices, especially when describing people.
  • Context is key: The meaning of "difficult" changes based on the situation.

Here's a table summarizing the different uses:

Usage Part of Speech Meaning Example
General Challenge Adjective Requires effort or skill "This test was difficult."
People Adjective Challenging to deal with (often negative) "He's a difficult colleague."
Process/State Adverb Experiencing trouble "She faced many difficulties during the project."

To help me give you even more tailored advice, could you tell me:

  • What are you trying to say with the word "difficult"? (e.g., are you describing an object, a task, a person, or a situation?)

Synonyms for the word difficult

Idioms of the word difficult

have a (hard/difficult) job doing/to do something
to have difficulty doing something
  • You'll have a job convincing them that you're right.
  • He had a hard job to make himself heard.

Comment ()