What is difficulty? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of difficulty

difficultynoun

/ˈdɪfɪklti/
Definition & pronunciation of difficulty

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "difficulty" in English. It's a tricky one for many learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Syllable Breakdown:

  • dif-fi-cult-i-ty - This is the key!

2. Pronunciation Guide:

  • dif: Pronounced like "dihff" (rhymes with "tiff") – It's a bit of a trick! The "i" sound is shortened and blended into the "f" sound.
  • fi: Pronounced like "fee" – as in "fee" for a tip.
  • cult: Pronounced like "koolt" – think of the word "cool," but add a "t" at the end.
  • i: Pronounced like a short "i" as in "bit."
  • ty: Pronounced like "tee" – as in "tea."

3. Putting it All Together:

The whole word is pronounced something like: di-ˈfɪk-əl-tɪ (The 'ˈ' symbol indicates the primary stress – it's on the second syllable, "fi").

4. Tips & Tricks:

  • Listen to Native Speakers: The best way to learn is to hear it. Here are some resources:
    • Google Search: Search for "how to pronounce difficulty" on YouTube. You’ll find many audio clips and videos.
    • Forvo: (forvo.com) is a website with pronunciations from native speakers.
    • Merriam-Webster Dictionary: (merriam-webster.com) – Click the audio icon next to the word.

5. Common Mispronunciations:

  • Saying "dif-fi-cult-ee" (adding an extra "e" at the end) is a very common mistake. Don't do it!

Would you like me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a more detailed breakdown of a specific part (like the "dif" sound)?

Usage and examples with the word difficulty in English

Let's break down how to use the word "difficulty" in English. It's a versatile word with several nuances, so understanding how to use it correctly is important.

1. Basic Meaning: A Problem or Challenge

At its core, "difficulty" refers to something that is hard to do, understand, or overcome.

  • Example: "I'm having a difficulty understanding this math problem." (This means you're struggling to understand it.)
  • Example: "He faced many difficulties during his journey to America." (He encountered problems and challenges.)

2. Different Forms and Usage:

  • Difficulty (noun): This is the most common form. It's a thing – the problem itself.

    • "There's a difficulty with the car's engine." (The problem with the engine)
    • "She has a difficulty learning a new language." (Her struggle to learn)

  • Difficult (adjective): Describes something that causes a difficulty.

    • "The test was very difficult." (The test presented a challenge)
    • "He's a difficult student to teach." (He presents challenges for the teacher)

  • To have difficulty (phrase): Expresses that you're struggling.

    • "I had difficulty sleeping last night." (I struggled to sleep)
    • "They had difficulty finding a suitable location for the meeting." (They struggled to find a place)

  • Dealing with difficulty (phrase): Refers to the act of overcoming or managing a problem.

    • "We need to deal with the difficulty of the shortage." (We need to address the problem)
    • "She’s learning how to deal with difficulties effectively." (She's learning to cope with problems.)

3. Levels of Difficulty:

"Difficulty" can be used to describe the degree of a problem:

  • Minor difficulty: "There's a slight difficulty with the instructions." (A small problem)
  • Significant difficulty: "He experienced a significant difficulty in finding employment." (A major problem)
  • Extreme difficulty: “Overcoming this extreme difficulty required great determination.” (A very hard challenge)

4. Common Phrases Using "Difficulty":

  • A difficulty arises: (A problem appears)
  • Overcome a difficulty: (To solve a problem)
  • The difficulty lies in...: (The problem is in…) – Often used when explaining a complex issue.
  • Difficulties arise from…: (Problems come from…)

5. Synonyms (Words similar in meaning):

  • Problem
  • Challenge
  • Obstacle
  • Hurdle
  • Issue
  • Trouble
  • Hardship

Here are some examples putting it all together:

  • "The difficulty with the project is the lack of funding." (The problem is the funding)
  • "She found the new software quite difficult to use." (The software was challenging)
  • "Many students had difficulty understanding the complex concepts." (They struggled to understand)
  • "We need to deal with the difficulty of rising inflation.” (We need to address the problem.)

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

  • What kind of context are you using "difficulty" in? (e.g., writing an essay, speaking in a conversation, etc.)
  • Can you give me an example sentence you're struggling with?

Synonyms for the word difficulty

Practice with vocabulary difficulty

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Researchers faced considerable ____ in accurately replicating the experimental conditions.
  2. She experienced some ____ adjusting to the new software interface.
  3. Overcoming this ____ will require a collaborative effort from the entire team.
  4. The sudden system crash presented an unforeseen ____ for the IT department.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The team encountered significant ____ in securing funding for the innovative, yet unproven, project. A) simplicity B) prosperity C) difficulty D) advantage

  2. Dealing with the bureaucratic procedures of international trade can pose a significant ____ for small businesses. A) hurdle B) opportunity C) challenge D) difficulty E) simplification

  3. Despite the initial ____, the team managed to successfully implement the new policy. A) convenience B) fluency C) difficulty D) ease

  4. The latest update aims to address the long-standing ____ regarding data privacy. A) solution B) issue C) advantage D) feature

  5. Effective communication is crucial for resolving workplace ____. A) harmony B) conflicts C) agreements D) breakthroughs

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. It was hard for him to adapt to the new working hours. Rewrite:
  2. The task proved to be quite challenging for the junior staff. Rewrite:
  3. The company encountered numerous problems during the product launch. Rewrite:

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. Researchers faced considerable difficulty in accurately replicating the experimental conditions.
  2. She experienced some difficulty adjusting to the new software interface.
  3. Overcoming this challenge will require a collaborative effort from the entire team.
  4. The sudden system crash presented an unforeseen obstacle for the IT department.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. C) difficulty
  2. A) hurdle, C) challenge, D) difficulty
  3. C) difficulty
  4. B) issue
  5. B) conflicts

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. He had great difficulty adapting to the new working hours.
  2. The task was quite difficult for the junior staff to complete.
  3. The company encountered numerous obstacles during the product launch.

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