Cool MateSuffering vs Torment
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
| Suffering | Torment | |
|---|---|---|
| Meaning | The experience of pain or distress. | extreme pain or suffering |
| CEFR level | B2 | B1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun |
| Usage notes | Used in both formal and informal contexts. It can describe physical or emotional pain. Be careful not to confuse it with 'suffer', which is the verb form. | Use 'torment' to describe severe emotional or physical suffering. It's neutral, suitable for both written and spoken contexts. |
Frequently asked questions: Suffering vs Torment
What's the difference between "Suffering" and "Torment"?
"Suffering" means: The experience of pain or distress. "Torment" means: extreme pain or suffering
When should I use "Suffering" and "Torment"?
They can all be used in everyday English.
Are "Suffering" and "Torment" the same CEFR level?
"Suffering" is at B2, "Torment" is at B1 on the CEFR scale.