What is tribulation? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of tribulation

tribulationnoun

/ˌtrɪbjuˈleɪʃn//ˌtrɪbjuˈleɪʃn/

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "tribulation." It can be tricky! Here's a breakdown and several ways to approach it:

1. Phonetic Spelling (Most Accurate):

  • try-bi-tə-ˈleɪ-ʃən
  • try - like the word "try"
  • bi - as in "bit"
  • tə - This is the tricky part! It’s a very short, unstressed "uh" sound, almost disappearing. Think of the "a" in "about" but even shorter.
  • ˈleɪ - This is the stressed syllable. Pronounced like "lay" - rhymes with "say."
  • ʃən - Pronounced like "shun" (as in "sun").

2. Breaking it Down in Steps:

  1. "Trib": Say "try" (like the action of trying).
  2. "u": A very short, almost silent "uh" sound (like the "a" in "about"). Don't overemphasize this part.
  3. "bi": Say "bit."
  4. "tə": Again, a very short, almost silent "uh" sound as in "about".
  5. "lay": Say “lay” as in “I lay down.”
  6. "shun": Say "shun" as in “sun.”

3. Listen to Examples:

Key Tips & Common Mistakes:

  • Don't overemphasize the "uh" sounds: The "tə" and the initial "uh" are often the biggest hurdle for people. They are very subtle. Don’t try to say them clearly – they’re almost swallowed.
  • Stress the second syllable: "lay" is the most important part of the word.

To help me tailor the explanation even further, could you tell me:

  • Are you a beginner learner of English, or are you already familiar with English pronunciation?

Usage and examples with the word tribulation in English

Let's break down how to use the word "tribulation." It's a powerful word with a specific meaning, and it's often used in a literary and spiritual context.

1. Core Meaning:

At its most basic, "tribulation" refers to a state of great suffering or distress. It’s a period of hardship, difficulty, or trials. Think of it as a significant, often prolonged, test of endurance.

2. Origin & Connotation:

  • Religious Roots: The word comes from the Latin tribulatio, which itself is derived from tribulatio (a struggle, trial). In Christian theology, "tribulation" is often used to describe the suffering experienced by Jesus Christ and by believers on Earth before the Second Coming. It's part of the "Great Tribulation" prophecy.
  • More General Usage: Outside of a strictly religious context, it’s still used to describe intense difficulties – personal, social, or even national.

3. How to Use It in Sentences:

Here are some examples, categorized by nuance:

  • Serious Suffering (General):

    • "The family endured a long period of tribulation after the death of their loved one."
    • "The war brought tribulation and hardship to the entire country."
    • “He faced considerable tribulation in his efforts to rebuild his business after the fire.”

  • Religious/Spiritual Context:

    • “The Book of Revelation speaks of the tribulation that will precede the end times.”
    • “During her tribulation, she found strength in her faith.”
    • “They believed that enduring these tribulations would prove their devotion.”

  • Figurative/Metaphorical (Difficult Times): You can use it to describe a challenging period in someone's life, even if it's not outright physical suffering.

    • "Starting a new business was a tribulation for him, filled with sleepless nights and financial uncertainty."
    • "The project was a tribulation to manage, requiring constant problem-solving."

  • Emphasis on Endurance: Sometimes, "tribulation" highlights the resilience or the ability to overcome hardship.

    • “Despite the tribulation of poverty, she never lost her hope.”

4. Words to Pair With "Tribulation":

  • Endure: “They endured the tribulation with courage.”
  • Overcome: “She overcame the tribulation with her determination.”
  • Suffer: “He suffered greatly during his tribulation.”
  • Face: “They faced immense tribulation.”
  • Trial: (Often interchangeable, but “tribulation” suggests a more intense and prolonged trial.)

5. Important Note:

"Tribulation" is a strong word. Don’t overuse it. It's best reserved for situations where you truly want to convey a significant level of hardship and suffering. Sometimes, “difficulty,” “challenge,” or “hardship” might be more appropriate.

Resources for Further Understanding:

Do you want me to:

  • Give you more examples in a specific context (e.g., literature, a news article)?
  • Help you brainstorm how to use "tribulation" in a particular sentence you're working on?

Synonyms for the word tribulation

Practice with vocabulary tribulation

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The nascent startup faced considerable financial __________ during its first year of operation, nearly leading to its collapse.
  2. Despite the numerous setbacks and rejections, her unwavering __________ eventually led to the publication of her research paper.
  3. The community endured a period of severe __________ after the natural disaster, struggling to rebuild homes and livelihoods.
  4. Neglecting the early warning signs can lead to grave __________ for any project, regardless of its initial promise.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (There may be multiple correct answers per question)

  1. The company leadership demonstrated remarkable resilience in navigating the economic downturn, a period of profound __________. a) prosperity b) tribulation c) ease d) adversity e) tranquility

  2. After years of personal __________, she finally found peace and a sense of purpose through her volunteer work. a) felicity b) tribulation c) contentment d) affliction e) solace

  3. Solving this intricate coding puzzle requires not only technical expertise but also considerable __________. a) sagacity b) ingenuity c) tribulation d) diligence e) acumen

  4. The developing nation grappled with years of political instability and economic __________, hindering its progress towards prosperity. a) prosperity b) flourishing c) tribulation d) hardship e) expansion

  5. The whistleblower's revelations brought the company under intense public scrutiny and accusations of financial __________. a) probity b) rectitude c) impropriety d) malfeasance e) tribulation

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The team faced many severe challenges during the product development cycle, but they ultimately succeeded. Rewrite using "tribulation" or a related word form:

  2. Original: After the financial crisis, many families experienced great hardship and suffering. Rewrite using "tribulation" or a related word form:

  3. Original: His lack of preparation for the presentation caused a lot of problems for the whole marketing department. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (do not use "tribulation"):

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. tribulation
  2. perseverance
  3. tribulation
  4. consequences

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) tribulation, d) adversity
  2. b) tribulation, d) affliction
  3. a) sagacity, b) ingenuity, d) diligence, e) acumen
  4. c) tribulation, d) hardship
  5. c) impropriety, d) malfeasance

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The team endured a period of severe tribulation during the product development cycle, but ultimately succeeded.
  2. The financial crisis plunged many families into a period of great tribulation.
  3. His lack of preparation for the presentation created significant repercussions for the entire marketing department.

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