Ailment is a word that is often used to describe a physical or mental condition that causes discomfort or pain. It is a term that is commonly used in medical circles, but it can also be used in everyday conversation. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of ailment, its origin, synonyms and antonyms, and its associations.
Definitions
An ailment is defined as a physical or mental disorder or illness that causes discomfort or pain. It can refer to any condition that affects the health or well-being of an individual. Ailments can range from minor conditions like headaches and colds to more serious illnesses like cancer and heart disease.
Origin
The word ailment comes from the Old French word alment, which means nourishment or sustenance. It was originally used to describe a lack of nourishment or malnutrition. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to include any physical or mental condition that causes discomfort or pain.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of ailment is consistent across different dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “a physical or mental disorder or illness that causes discomfort or pain.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “a bodily disorder or chronic disease.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “an illness or health problem.”
Associations
Ailment is often associated with medical conditions and healthcare. It is a term that is commonly used by doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals to describe a patient’s condition. Ailment is also associated with discomfort, pain, and suffering.
Synonyms
There are many synonyms for ailment, including illness, disease, disorder, condition, affliction, malady, and sickness. These words can be used interchangeably with ailment depending on the context.
Antonyms
The antonyms of ailment include health, wellness, fitness, and vigor. These words describe a state of well-being and are the opposite of ailment.
The same root words
The root word of ailment is “ail,” which means to suffer from a physical or mental condition. Other words that share this root include ailing, ailmentary, and ailurophobia (fear of cats).
Example Sentences
- The patient was diagnosed with a rare ailment that required immediate treatment.
- She suffered from a chronic ailment that caused her constant pain.
- The doctor prescribed medication to alleviate the symptoms of his ailment.
- The athlete was sidelined due to an injury that resulted in a temporary ailment.
- The company’s financial ailment was caused by poor management and overspending.