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affliction

noun/əˈflɪkʃən/

definition

a state of persistent pain, suffering, or distress

example

Her chronic illness was a constant affliction that affected her daily life.

synonyms
miserysufferingdistress
word origin — Late Middle English: from Latin 'afflictio(n-)', from 'affligere' meaning 'to strike down'

affliction, allegiance, apparition, apprehension, aptitude: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from GRE Vocabulary set 150. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

  1. affliction · noun/əˈflɪkʃən/

    a state of persistent pain, suffering, or distress

    Her chronic illness was a constant affliction that affected her daily life.

    Synonyms: misery, suffering, distress

    Origin: Late Middle English: from Latin 'afflictio(n-)', from 'affligere' meaning 'to strike down'

  2. allegiance · noun/əˈliː.dʒəns/

    loyalty or commitment to a group or cause

    The soldier pledged his allegiance to the flag during the ceremony, symbolizing his commitment to serve his country.

    Synonyms: loyalty, fidelity, devotion

    Origin: Middle English, from Old French 'allegeance', from Latin 'allegantia', from 'allegare' meaning 'to bind to' or 'to commit'

  3. apparition · noun/ˌæpəˈrɪʃən/

    a ghostly figure or the appearance of something unexpected

    The old mansion was rumored to be haunted, and many claimed to have seen an apparition of a woman in white wandering the halls at night.

    Synonyms: ghost, specter, phantom

    Origin: from Middle French 'apparition', from late Latin 'apparitionem', meaning 'appearance' or 'visibility'

  4. apprehension · noun/ˌæp.rɪˈhɛn.ʃən/

    the anxiety or fear that something bad or unpleasant will happen

    She approached the exam with a sense of apprehension, fearing that her preparation might not be enough.

    Synonyms: anxiety, fear, dread

    Origin: from Middle French 'appréhension', from Latin 'apprehensio', from 'apprehendere', meaning 'to seize' or 'to take hold of'.

  5. aptitude · noun/ˈæptɪtud/

    natural ability or talent for learning or performing a particular skill

    Her aptitude for mathematics was evident from a young age, making her a standout student in advanced classes.

    Synonyms: talent, ability, skill

    Origin: Late Latin 'aptitudo', from 'aptus' meaning 'fit' or 'suitable'