pains

pains · noun

imported

Definitions

noun

  1. 1.

    Plural of pain; multiple instances of physical or emotional suffering.

  2. 2.

    Careful effort or trouble taken to accomplish something.

Phrases & expressions

  • •
    take pains — to make a careful effort
  • •
    go to great pains — to put in considerable effort
  • •
    growing pains — difficulties experienced during development or growth
  • •
    no pain, no gain — success requires effort and sometimes discomfort

Related words

Antonyms: comforts, pleasures
See also: aches, effort, pain
Synonyms: aches, efforts, hurts, troubles

Etymology

From Latin poena ("punishment, penalty") via Old French peine + plural suffix -s.