tribulation

<font size="-1" face="arial, helvetica"> <p> <strong> <font color="#000066">Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for September 15, 2021 is:</font> </strong> </p> <p> <strong>tribulation</strong> &#149; \trib-yuh-LAY-shun\&nbsp; &#149; <em>noun</em><br /> <p><em>Tribulation</em>, which is often used in the phrase "trials and tribulations," refers to a trying experience. It can also mean "unhappiness, pain, or suffering."</p> <p>// The young, ambitious chef knew of trials and <em>tribulations</em> of opening a new restaurant, but he was ready for the undertaking.</p> <p>// Her son's illness has been a source of great <em>tribulation</em>.</p> <p><a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/tribulation">See the entry ></a></p> </p> <p> <strong>Examples:</strong><br /> <p>"On the road to meet his destiny, Gawain must face a series of fearsome trials, <em>tribulations</em> and temptations as he gradually learns the true nature of chivalry." — Susan Granger, <em>The Westport (Connecticut) News</em>, 13 Aug.2021</p> </p> <p> <strong>Did you know?</strong><br /> <p>The writer and Christian scholar Thomas More, in his 1534 work <em>A dialoge of comforte against tribulation</em>, defined the title word as "euery such thing as troubleth and greueth [grieveth] a man either in bodye or mynde." These days, however, the word <em>tribulation</em> is commonly used as a plural noun, paired with <em><a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trial">trials</a></em>, and relates less to oppression and more to any kind of uphill struggle. <em>Tribulation</em> comes from a Latin noun meaning "<a href="https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/threshing">threshing</a> board."</p> <br /><br /> </p> </font>