Reading Theme:
Difficult Meaning, Examples, and Common Usage (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：hard (difficult)
difficult
/ˈdɪfɪkəlt/
adj.
Not easy to do; requiring a lot of effort, time, or skill to complete.
hard
➕
/hɑːrd/
adj.
Requiring significant effort, skill, or time to accomplish or understand.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'difficilis' (dis- 'not' + facilis 'easy').
💡 Mnemonic
Dis + facile: 'dis' means not, 'facile' means easy — not easy sticks.
📖 Example
The final exam was so difficult that many students spent extra hours studying for it.
The final exam was so hard that many students spent extra hours studying for it.
🔗 Collocations
extremely difficult – very hard
difficult task – a job that is hard to do
difficult decision – a choice that is hard to make
🔄 Synonyms
hard (adj.) – Requiring a lot of effort, as in a hard exam.
challenging (adj.) – Testing one's abilities; stimulating but demanding, as in a challenging problem.
tough (adj.) – Physically or mentally demanding, as in a tough workout.
🚫 Antonyms
easy (adj.) – Not requiring much effort, as in an easy puzzle.
simple (adj.) – Easily understood or done, as in a simple instruction.
effortless (adj.) – Requiring no physical or mental exertion, as in an effortless performance.
🌱 Derivatives
difficulty (n.) – The state or condition of being hard to do.
difficultly (adv.) – In a manner that requires great effort.
📖 Cultural Story
The word entered English via Old French in the 14th century, originally used to describe tasks requiring great effort. In modern business, 'difficult' is commonly used in performance reviews to describe complex projects.
Meaning 2：uncooperative (difficult)
difficult
/ˈdɪfɪkəlt/
adj.
Describing a person who is not easy to get along with, often stubborn or hard to please.
uncooperative
➕
/ˌʌnkoʊˈɒpərətɪv/
adj.
Describing a person who is hard to please, stubborn, or unyielding in interactions.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
During the team project, one member was being difficult by refusing to compromise on any ideas.
During the team project, one member was being uncooperative by refusing to compromise on any ideas.
🔗 Collocations
difficult person – someone who is hard to get along with
difficult customer – a client who is hard to satisfy
difficult attitude – a stubborn or uncooperative mindset
🔄 Synonyms
stubborn (adj.) – Unreasonably determined to do things a certain way, as in a stubborn child.
obstinate (adj.) – Stubbornly refusing to change one's opinion, as in an obstinate negotiator.
uncooperative (adj.) – Not willing to work together or help, as in an uncooperative teammate.
🚫 Antonyms
agreeable (adj.) – Pleasant and willing to agree, as in an agreeable colleague.
cooperative (adj.) – Willing to work with others, as in a cooperative team member.
flexible (adj.) – Willing to change or compromise, as in a flexible schedule.
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