What is suffer? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of suffer

sufferverb

/ˈsʌfə/
Definition & pronunciation of suffer

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "suffer" in English. It can be tricky for some learners! Here's a breakdown:

1. Basic Pronunciation (Most Common):

  • ˈsʌfər (This is the most common and generally accepted pronunciation.)

    • ˈsʌf: This is the stressed syllable. The 'f' is pronounced like the 'f' in "fun."
    • ər: This is a short, unstressed "er" sound, similar to the 'er' in "her." It's a very quick and light sound.

2. Phonetic Breakdown (For a more precise understanding - using the International Phonetic Alphabet (IPA)):

  • /ˈsʌfər/
    • /ˈ/: Primary stress (emphasis) on the first syllable.
    • /s/: As in "sun"
    • /ʌ/: A short, open "uh" sound - like the "a" in "but" or "cup." Think of it as a slightly relaxed vowel.
    • /f/: As in "fun"
    • /ər/: A schwa sound (/ə/) – a very light, neutral vowel sound. Like the “a” in “about”

3. Tips for Pronunciation:

  • Stress: The biggest key is to put the emphasis on the first syllable ("sʌf"). This is what makes the word sound natural.
  • "er" sound: Don't overemphasize the "er" at the end. It should be a very quick, subtle sound. Think of it almost like a quick exhale.
  • Listen to examples: This is crucial. The best way to learn is by hearing native speakers. Here are some resources:
    • Google Translate: Type "suffer" into Google Translate and click the speaker icon to hear the pronunciation.
    • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/suffer/ - This website has pronunciations recorded by many native speakers.
    • YouTube: Search for "how to pronounce 'suffer' in English" on YouTube.

4. Common Mistakes:

  • Over-emphasizing the "er": Many learners put too much force on the final "er," making it sound awkward.
  • Pronouncing it "suf-er": Failing to stress the first syllable.

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

  • Where are you from? (This helps me account for regional pronunciation variations.)

Usage and examples with the word suffer in English

Let's break down how to use the word "suffer" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with a few different nuances. Here's a breakdown of its common uses, with examples:

1. To Experience Pain or Distress (Physical or Emotional):

  • This is the most common usage. “Suffer” means to experience something unpleasant, often involving pain, hardship, or distress.

    • Physical Suffering: “He suffered a broken leg in the accident.” “She suffered from a severe headache.” “The patient was suffering from a chronic illness.”
    • Emotional Suffering: “She suffered a lot after the loss of her husband.” “He suffers from anxiety.” “Many refugees suffer from trauma.” “I suffer from debilitating sadness sometimes.”

  • Key Phrases:

    • "Suffer from..." (e.g., "He suffers from depression.") – This indicates a condition or ailment.
    • "Suffer a..." (e.g., "She suffered a severe burn.") – This refers to a specific instance of hardship.

2. To Endure Something Difficult (Often Passive):

  • In this sense, “suffer” implies accepting something unpleasant without complaint or resistance. It suggests a passive acceptance of hardship.

    • “The company suffered heavy losses last year.” (meaning they endured significant financial difficulties)
    • “The village suffered from a long drought.” (meaning it endured hardship due to lack of water)
    • “He suffered the consequences of his actions.” (meaning he had to deal with the negative results)

3. To Be Affected by Something Negative (Often a Verb – Passive Voice):

  • "Suffer" can be used as a passive verb, meaning to be impacted or harmed by something.

    • “The country suffered from the effects of the war.” (meaning it was negatively affected.)
    • “The town suffered a devastating flood.” (meaning it experienced a terrible flood)

4. (Less Common, More Formal) To Experience a Loss of Something Good:

  • This usage is more literary or formal, and it implies a deprivation or a diminishing of something desirable.

    • “He suffered a great loss when his house burned down.” (meaning he experienced a significant loss of his home and possessions)
    • “The artist suffered a decline in his abilities as he aged.” (meaning his skills diminished.)

Here’s a table summarizing the different ways to use “suffer”:

Usage Meaning Example
Physical/Emotional Pain Experience pain, hardship, distress “She suffers a migraine.”
Endure Difficulty Accept something unpleasant passively “The team suffered a humiliating defeat.”
Be Affected Experience negative impact “The region suffered from poverty.”
Loss of Something Good Experience a deprivation “He suffered the loss of his father.”

Important Notes:

  • Synonyms: “Suffer” is often interchangeable with words like "endure," "bear," "experience," "undergo," or "tolerate." However, "suffer" often carries a stronger sense of pain or hardship than those words.

  • Formal vs. Informal: "Suffer" is generally considered more formal than words like "feel" or "experience."

  • "Suffer" vs. "Feel": "Feel" is often a more general term for experiencing something (emotions, sensations). “Suffer” implies a more significant and often prolonged or painful experience.

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

  • What kind of context are you trying to use “suffer” in? (e.g., writing a story, talking about a medical condition, describing a historical event?)

Synonyms for the word suffer

Idioms of the word suffer

not suffer fools gladly
to be very impatient with people that you think are stupid
  • She was a forceful personality who didn't suffer fools gladly.

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