endure suffering

USAGE SUMMARY

"endure suffering" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
It means to tolerate or bear through difficult or painful experiences or emotions. Example: Despite enduring great suffering during her childhood, she was able to overcome adversity and become a successful and resilient adult.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

19 human-written examples

The capacity to endure suffering without complaint is considered a defining trait of the Chinese character; in Mandarin, it's called "eating bitterness".

The New York Times - Books

Not on everything — I expected more clear evidence of deflation by now, and I've been wrong in some political judgements, such as not expecting the Baltics to be as willing to endure suffering as they have.

The New York Times

But to do it over 21 stages, more than 2,100 miles and 2 mountain ranges requires not just superb conditioning but an ability to endure suffering on a Homeric scale.

The New York Times - Sports

Although they had to wait with patience and endure suffering (1 Thessalonians 1 6; 2:14; 3:4), and although salvation from the pains of this life lay in the future (5:6–11), in the present, Paul said, his followers could rejoice in spiritual gifts, such as healing, prophesying, and speaking in tongues (1 Corinthians 12 14).

Encyclopedia Britannica

However, he argues that the Christian's highest and most difficult task is to endure suffering while continuing to believe that she is loved by God – that God cares about the smallest details of her life – and to regard this painful, difficult life as a gift from a loving God.

The Guardian - Opinion

Others endure suffering so great that it is virtually impossible for them to develop those moral traits that involve relationships with others.

SEP

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

39 human-written examples

They endured suffering in order to discipline and cleanse their bodies and minds through total immersion into Christ.

Huffington Post

The reader of his letters will be convinced that such passages are true to the man himself, who endured suffering and privation and finally died for his cause.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The frustration at what is perceived as a lack of justice will be shared by a close-knit local community that has previously endured suffering following the killings of Cynthia Jarrett, Roger Sylvester and Joy Gardner at the hands of the police.

The Guardian - Opinion

Reflecting the intense debate preceding the canonization, the bishops did not proclaim the Romanovs as "martyrs," or those who died specifically for their Christian convictions, but instead declared them "passion bearers," a category used to identify believers who, in imitation of Christ, endured suffering and death at the hands of political enemies.

The New York Times

Religions of the world, many philosophers, and people who have viewed and/or endured suffering cannot agree with the Stoics.

BMC Medical Ethics

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "endure suffering" to describe a prolonged or significant experience of pain, hardship, or distress. It is best suited for contexts where the subject is actively withstanding something difficult.

Common error

Avoid using "endure suffering" for minor inconveniences or temporary discomfort. The phrase implies a substantial and sustained experience of hardship, not a fleeting annoyance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "endure suffering" functions primarily as a verb phrase where "endure" acts as a transitive verb taking "suffering" as its direct object. It describes the act of withstanding or tolerating a painful or difficult experience, as shown by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

18%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

9%

Wiki

9%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "endure suffering" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to describe the act of withstanding hardship, pain, or distress. As confirmed by Ludwig, it functions as a verb phrase and is often employed in neutral to formal contexts, particularly in news, encyclopedias, and scientific writing. When using the phrase, ensure it aligns with the severity of the situation and emphasizes the act of tolerating something difficult, not simply experiencing discomfort. Alternatives such as "tolerate hardship" or "bear the pain" can provide nuanced variations depending on the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

tolerate hardship

Replaces "suffering" with "hardship" and "endure" with "tolerate", focusing on the act of allowing something unpleasant.

bear the pain

Substitutes "suffering" with "pain" and "endure" with "bear", highlighting the act of carrying or supporting the discomfort.

withstand adversity

Replaces "suffering" with "adversity" and "endure" with "withstand", shifting the focus to resisting challenging circumstances.

cope with hardship

Replaces "endure" with "cope with", suggesting a more active management of difficult situations instead of passive endurance.

brave the trials

Uses a more figurative language, replacing "suffering" with "trials" and "endure" with "brave", emphasizing courage in facing difficulties.

undergo tribulations

Replaces "suffering" with "tribulations" and "endure" with "undergo", lending a more formal and serious tone to the experience.

live through torment

Substitutes "suffering" with "torment", signifying extreme pain and anguish, and "endure" with "live through", emphasizing survival.

weather the storm

An idiomatic expression, "weather the storm" replaces "endure suffering" to convey surviving a difficult period.

face affliction

Substitutes "suffering" with "affliction" and "endure" with "face", focusing on confronting hardship.

persevere through difficulties

Replaces "endure suffering" with a longer phrase emphasizing continued effort and resolve in spite of challenges.

FAQs

How can I use "endure suffering" in a sentence?

You can use "endure suffering" to describe someone experiencing prolonged hardship, such as "Many refugees "endure suffering" during their journey to safety".

What are some alternatives to "endure suffering"?

Alternatives include "tolerate hardship", "bear the pain", or "withstand adversity", depending on the context and the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it more appropriate to say "endure suffering" or "experience suffering"?

"Endure suffering" implies a sustained effort to withstand hardship, while "experience suffering" simply indicates undergoing it. The choice depends on whether you want to emphasize resilience or simply acknowledge the occurrence.

What is the difference between "endure suffering" and "overcome suffering"?

"Endure suffering" means to withstand or tolerate hardship, whereas "overcome suffering" implies successfully moving past or resolving the source of the suffering. They represent different stages in dealing with difficult experiences.