French word

souffrant

Pronunciation

IPA/sufʁɑ̃/

Meaning

  • adjectivesuffering

Example

Elle est souffrante depuis hier soir.

She has been suffering since last night.

Illustration for souffrant (suffering)

More examples

Sur la plage, un baigneur souffrant a été secouru.

On the beach, a bather who was suffering was rescued.

Core concept

A body or mind marked by ongoing pain, whether the distress is visible or inward.

Similar words

malade: Unwell because of an illness or another health problem.
blessé: Suffering from a physical injury or painful wound.
fiévreux: Having a fever and feeling hot and unwell.
épuisé: Extremely tired and with almost no strength left to move.

Definition in French

Décrit une personne ou un animal qui éprouve une douleur physique ou morale.

Word origin

Souffrant comes from souffrir as its adjectival present participle, while souffrir traces through Old French sofrir to Latin sufferre, 'to endure'.

Usage tips

  • Souffrant is more formal than everyday phrases such as avoir mal or ne pas se sentir bien in many ordinary situations.

Other meanings

  • in painadjective

Opposites

  • rétablirecoveredadjective
  • guéricuredadjective

Related words

Word lists with this word