difficult

Definition

Hard, not easy, requiring much effort.

Etymology

From Middle English difficult (ca. 1400), a back-formation from difficulte (whence modern difficulty), from Old French difficulté, from Latin difficultas, from difficul, older form of difficilis (“hard to do, difficult”), from dis- + facilis (“easy”); see difficile. Replaced native Middle English earveþ (“difficult, hard”), from Old English earfoþe (“difficult, laborious, full of hardship”), cognate to German Arbeit (“work”). The verb is from the adjective, partly after Middle French difficulter and its etymon Latin difficultō. Compare difficilitate, difficultate, and Italian difficoltare.

Example Sentences

• "difficult of accomplishment"
• "However, the difficult weather conditions will ensure Yunnan has plenty of freshwater."
• "There is not the strength or courage left me to venture into the wide, strange, difficult world, alone."

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