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The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner
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Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.

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 632 pages, 147 lessons, 428 practical activities.

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ordeal

IPA:

How to pronounce ordeal (audio)

Dictionary definition of ordeal

A challenging or distressing experience that tests an individual's strength, resilience, or endurance.
"Going through a divorce can be an emotional ordeal for anyone involved."

Detailed meaning of ordeal

It is often associated with intense difficulty or suffering, both physically and emotionally. Whether it arises from a personal tragedy, a demanding task, or a traumatic event, an ordeal pushes a person to their limits, often requiring them to summon extraordinary courage and perseverance. The word "ordeal" carries a sense of struggle, adversity, and a potential threat to one's well-being or survival. It may involve facing fears, confronting daunting obstacles, or enduring prolonged hardships. However, successfully navigating through an ordeal can also lead to personal growth, inner strength, and a heightened sense of accomplishment. Ultimately, an ordeal challenges individuals to overcome immense obstacles and emerge transformed on the other side.

Example sentences containing ordeal

1. Surviving the earthquake was a harrowing ordeal for the trapped survivors.
2. The marathon runner faced the grueling ordeal of running 26.
3. 2 miles in extreme heat.
4. Climbing Mount Everest proved to be a treacherous ordeal for the experienced mountaineers.
5. The hostage situation was a tense ordeal for everyone involved.
6. Facing a job interview can often be an intimidating ordeal for job seekers.

History and etymology of ordeal

The noun 'ordeal' has a fascinating etymology rooted in Old English and Old Norse. It originates from the Old English word 'ordāl,' which means 'judgment,' 'trial,' or 'test.' This Old English term was influenced by the Old Norse word 'eyrsla,' which also meant 'judgment' or 'trial.' The combination of these linguistic influences resulted in the word 'ordeal' as it is known today. An 'ordeal' originally referred to a method of trial or judgment in which a person's innocence or guilt was determined by subjecting them to a challenging or distressing experience. Over time, the term expanded to describe any difficult or trying experience that tests an individual's strength, resilience, or endurance. The etymology of 'ordeal' underscores its historical association with trials and tests, reflecting the linguistic fusion of Old English and Old Norse influences.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun ordeal:

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Further usage examples of ordeal

1. The long wait at the airport turned into an exhausting ordeal for the stranded passengers.
2. Overcoming addiction is a challenging ordeal that requires dedication and support.
3. The refugee families endured a heartbreaking ordeal as they fled their war-torn country.
4. Surviving in the wilderness without food or water was a true test of endurance and survival skills, an ordeal they would never forget.
5. The court trial became an emotionally draining ordeal for the victim and their loved ones.
6. The recovery process after major surgery can be a physically demanding ordeal for patients.
7. Surviving the shipwreck was a harrowing ordeal.
8. The marathon was an exhausting physical ordeal.
9. The courtroom trial proved to be a legal ordeal.
10. She faced the emotional ordeal of a difficult breakup.
11. Climbing the steep mountain was a strenuous ordeal.
12. The hostage's release marked the end of their ordeal.
13. Surviving in the wilderness became a survival ordeal.
14. The surgery was a life-altering medical ordeal.
15. Overcoming addiction is a long and challenging ordeal.
16. Enduring the pandemic has been a global ordeal.
17. The explorer's journey through the desert was an ordeal.
18. The escape from the burning building was a close ordeal.
19. Facing her fears was a personal growth ordeal.
20. The job interview felt like a nerve-wracking ordeal.
21. The rescue operation was a high-stakes ordeal.
22. Rebuilding after the earthquake was a community ordeal.
23. The final exams were a stressful academic ordeal.
24. The financial crisis became a corporate ordeal.
25. The astronaut's spacewalk was a daunting ordeal.
26. Navigating the labyrinthine bureaucracy was a bureaucratic ordeal.

Challenges and Difficulties, Effort and Exertion, Endurance and Resilience, Occasions and Occurrences, Domination and Power, Hardship and Suffering

adversity,agony,challenge,difficulty,hardship,struggle,suffering,torment,trial,tribulation

nightmare,test

tribulation, comfort, ease, pleasure

eb68db_f0ccf2f451ff4aa8bca75063bb7fac96.mp3

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