pain

word

/ˈpeɪn/
payn
/pˈeɪn/
payn

Definition

A feeling of physical or emotional suffering caused by illness, injury, or distress. It can refer to hurt in the body or uncomfortable feelings in the mind.

Usage & Nuances

Used for both physical hurt ('back pain') and emotional suffering ('the pain of losing someone'). Common collocations: 'chest pain', 'sharp pain', 'pain relief'. 'Pain' is uncountable for general hurt, but can be countable for specific kinds ('a pain in my leg'). Not slang; neutral register.

Example Sentences

My head hurts. I feel a lot of pain.

basic

The pain in my leg is getting worse.

basic

She cried because of the pain.

basic

Emotional pain can be as hard to handle as physical pain.

natural

Is the pain dull or sharp?

natural

Time can heal many kinds of pain.

natural