accept pain

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "accept pain" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used in contexts discussing emotional or physical suffering, often in relation to personal growth or resilience. Example: "In order to heal, sometimes you must accept pain as a part of the process."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

13 human-written examples

"You've got to accept pain in exchange for value".

The New York Times

Some versions of stoicism, for example, recommend adjusting your desires to what's in your power, to try, for example, to accept pain that you can't avoid.

The New York Times

The 2010 concept was "fun and caught people's attention, but now we want people to refuse to accept pain and the limitations of arthritis on their life.

The New York Times

"I have strong doubts about Koizumi because he is always asking people to accept pain," said Keiko Kobayashi, a 54-year-old temporary worker, who was voting in Sumida ward.

The New York Times

There are significant figures in the military establishment – including Lord Richards, the former chief of the defence staff – who believe, given the strength of Moscow's convictions and its historical propensity to accept pain in the perceived national interest, that an increased escalation will not work and could indeed be more damaging to Great Britain than to Russia.

The Guardian - Opinion

The players accept pain.

Forbes

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

45 human-written examples

His life became a battle with mother nature 30 years ago and he fought valiantly and with great inner strength for many years accepting pain and limitation for the gift of life.

The New York Times

The postcentral gyrus, which is usually called the primary somatosensory cortex (SI), is included in the pain matrix and accepts pain signals straightly [33].

The Journal of Headache and Pain

Epicurus' recipe for accepting pain with equanimity lay in such strategies as concentrating the mind on past pleasures, and, where the pain was terminally severe, on its imminent eclipse by the painless state of death.

SEP

When his father delivers a monologue about accepting pain in life, Elio listens with rapt attention, tears pooling in his eyes.

Huffington Post

Pain: Absence of pain, VAS 0-1, (2); moderate-mild pain, VAS 2-4 (1); severe pain, VAS 5-7, (0); and not accepted pain, VAS ≥ 8, (-1).

BMC Health Services Research

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "accept pain" when you want to convey a sense of resignation or willingness to experience pain for a greater purpose or outcome.

Common error

Avoid using "accept pain" when you mean simply to withstand it. "Accept" implies a deeper understanding or philosophical stance, while "endure" suggests a struggle against the pain.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "accept pain" primarily functions as a verb phrase. It describes the action of willingly or philosophically embracing suffering, either physical or emotional. Ludwig examples show the phrase used in the context of enduring hardship for a greater purpose or outcome.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

36%

Science

32%

Wiki

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "accept pain" is a grammatically sound and conceptually rich expression, as confirmed by Ludwig. It conveys a willingness to acknowledge and endure suffering for a greater purpose, highlighting resilience and stoicism. While not as frequent as other phrases with similar meanings, such as "endure pain", "accept pain" appears in reputable sources like The New York Times and The Guardian. Ludwig's examples illustrate diverse applications from personal growth to political commentary. When using this phrase, consider whether you intend to convey philosophical acceptance, not mere tolerance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

endure pain

Focuses more on withstanding the pain rather than actively accepting it.

tolerate pain

Implies a higher level of suffering that is being put up with.

bear pain

Highlights the act of carrying or supporting the weight of the pain.

cope with pain

Suggests managing or dealing with the pain using strategies.

come to terms with pain

Emphasizes the mental process of understanding and accepting the pain's presence.

live with pain

Highlights the ongoing nature of the pain and the need to integrate it into one's life.

embrace pain

Suggests a more active and willing acceptance, potentially for growth.

resign oneself to pain

Indicates a passive acceptance, often with a sense of defeat.

make peace with pain

Implies a resolution or reconciliation with the experience of pain.

get along with pain

Downplays the struggle implied by "cope", and rather suggests some method of co-existing. This alternative is less common.

FAQs

What does it mean to "accept pain"?

To "accept pain" means to acknowledge and come to terms with physical or emotional suffering, often as a necessary part of a larger process or experience. It does not necessarily imply enjoyment of pain, but rather a willingness to experience it without resistance.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "accept pain"?

It is appropriate to use the phrase "accept pain" when discussing situations where suffering is inevitable or serves a purpose, such as in athletic training, medical treatment, or personal growth. It's often used in contexts that emphasize resilience or stoicism.

What can I say instead of "accept pain"?

You can use alternatives like "endure pain", "tolerate pain", or "cope with pain" depending on the context.

Is there a difference between "accept pain" and "ignore pain"?

Yes, there's a significant difference. To "accept pain" is to acknowledge and process it, while ignoring pain means to suppress or disregard it. Acceptance is often a healthier coping mechanism than avoidance.