tribulation
tribulation
Pronunciation
/ˌtrɪbjuˈleɪʃn/
trib - /trɪb/
/tr/ - a voiceless alveolar stop followed by a voiced rhotic approximant
/ɪ/ - a short, high front unrounded vowel (as in "bit")
/b/ - a voiced bilabial stop
u - /juː/
/j/ - a palatal approximant
/uː/ - a long, high back rounded vowel (as in "food")
la - /leɪ/
/l/ - a voiced alveolar lateral approximant
/eɪ/ - a diphthong moving from a mid-front unrounded vowel to a high front unrounded vowel (as in "face")
tion - /ʃn/
/ʃ/ - a voiceless postalveolar fricative (as in "ship")
/n/ - a voiced alveolar nasal
Word Form Variations
tribulation (singular noun) - This is the base form, referring to a state of great trouble or suffering.
tribulations (plural noun) - This refers to multiple instances of trouble or suffering, or a collection of such experiences. It's the most common form you'll encounter.
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun:
Definition 1: A state of great trouble or suffering; distress.
Synonyms: affliction, hardship, adversity, suffering, woe, misery, ordeal, trial, distress, anguish
Antonyms: comfort, solace, relief, joy, happiness, peace, ease, tranquility
Definition 2: An experience that causes suffering or distress; a hardship. (Often used in the plural: tribulations)
Synonyms: ordeal, trial, affliction, hardship, misfortune, adversity, difficulty, problem
Antonyms: blessing, boon, advantage, benefit, fortune, serendipity
Verb:
(Less common) To cause distress or suffering to someone. While not standard usage, one could theoretically use "tribulate" as a verb. It is rarely, if ever, used this way, and would likely be seen as an archaic or highly poetic/stylized usage.
Synonyms: afflict, torment, distress, burden, oppress, grieve, harrow
Antonyms: comfort, console, soothe, relieve, please, delight
Adjective:
(Rare) Characterized by or experiencing tribulation. Again, not standard usage, but one could imagine a context like "a tribulated soul." This would be considered highly unusual.
Synonyms: afflicted, distressed, burdened, suffering, troubled, heavy-hearted
Antonyms: comforted, joyful, happy, peaceful, serene
Adverb:
(Not applicable) There is no standard adverb form of "tribulation."
Examples of Use
Literature:
"The trials and tribulations of Job are a classic example of human suffering." (The Bible, Book of Job) This is a foundational example, referencing the biblical figure who endured immense suffering.
"Through all his tribulations, he never lost hope." (Often found in various novels and biographies depicting characters facing hardship). This is a common thematic use, highlighting resilience.
News/Online Publications:
"The country faces numerous tribulations, including economic instability and political unrest." (Various news articles discussing global events; easily searchable on news aggregators). This is a common journalistic usage, describing societal challenges.
"Despite the tribulations of the pandemic, many small businesses have found ways to adapt and survive." (Online articles and blogs discussing the impact of COVID-19; easily searchable). This highlights the use of the word in contemporary contexts.
Entertainment:
"The movie chronicles the tribulations of a family struggling to overcome poverty." (Film reviews and synopses; easily searchable on movie databases). This showcases its use in describing narrative themes.
"The song lyrics speak to the tribulations of love and loss." (Music reviews and analyses; easily searchable on music websites). This demonstrates its use in discussing artistic expression.
General Public Discourse:
"We must support those who are going through tribulations in their lives." (Commonly heard in speeches, sermons, and everyday conversations). This is a general usage, expressing empathy and support.
"The tribulations I've faced have made me stronger." (Commonly heard in personal testimonies and discussions about resilience). This reflects a personal reflection on overcoming adversity.
Social Media:
"Praying for all those facing tribulations today." (Common social media post expressing support and compassion). This is a typical use in online communities.
"My tribulations have taught me the true meaning of strength." (Common social media post sharing personal experiences and reflections). This shows the word's use in personal narratives online.
10 Famous Quotes Using Tribulation
“In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.” (Jesus Christ, John 16:33)
“Out of tribulation emerges the strongest souls.” (Khalil Gibran)
“Tribulation produces perseverance; perseverance, character; and character, hope.” (Apostle Paul, Romans 5:3–4)
“Prosperity is the blessing of the Old Testament; adversity and tribulation of the New.” (Francis Bacon)
“Where there is tribulation, there is opportunity for deeper courage.” (Unknown)
“My mentor said tribulation reveals what comfort hides.” (Unknown)
“History shows that nations grow wiser through tribulation than through ease.” (Unknown)
“A poet wrote that love is tested in tribulation, not in triumph.” (Unknown)
“Revolutions are born when tribulation exceeds tolerance.” (Unknown)
“Hope shines brightest in seasons of tribulation.” (Unknown)
Etymology
The word "tribulation" comes from the Latin word tribulatio. Think of this Latin word as the root of our English word. Tribulatio itself has an interesting origin: it's derived from tribulum, which was a threshing sledge.
A threshing sledge was a tool used by farmers in ancient times. It was basically a wooden board with sharp stones or teeth embedded in it. Farmers would drag this sledge over harvested grain to separate the kernels from the chaff (the husks). It was a rough and difficult process, involving pressure and friction.
So, the original meaning of tribulatio in Latin wasn't just general suffering, but specifically the process of threshing grain – a difficult and pressing action. It carried the idea of being pressed, rubbed, or crushed under a heavy weight, much like the grain under the tribulum.
Over time, the meaning of tribulatio broadened. It moved from the literal agricultural process to a more metaphorical one, referring to any kind of hardship, affliction, or distress that "threshes" or crushes a person's spirit. It kept that sense of pressure and difficulty.
The first known use of "tribulation" in English, according to the Oxford English Dictionary, was in the 13th century. From the very beginning, it carried this sense of severe suffering or distress. It wasn't about minor annoyances, but significant hardships.
So, to recap: "tribulation" comes from a Latin word for a threshing tool. This tool was used in a difficult process to separate grain. The word's meaning evolved to describe difficult and distressing experiences that "separate" the strong from the weak, or that test a person's resilience. It's always carried this connotation of significant hardship and pressure.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Tribulation
Phrases (not strictly idioms):
Times of tribulation: This is a common phrase, referring to periods of hardship or suffering. It's often used in religious or historical contexts.
Trials and tribulations: This pairing is frequently used, emphasizing the multiple and varied nature of hardships.
To face tribulation: This phrase simply means to experience or endure hardship.
A source of tribulation: This refers to something that causes suffering or distress.
Worldly tribulations: This phrase often implies the hardships and difficulties of life in the material world.
Examples of similar idioms (using synonyms):
While "tribulation" itself may not feature in many idioms, we can find idioms that express similar ideas of hardship or suffering:
To go through hell and back: This idiom vividly describes a very difficult and trying experience.
To be between a rock and a hard place: This describes a situation where someone is faced with two difficult options.
To be up against it: This means to be facing significant challenges or difficulties.
To weather the storm: This idiom means to survive a difficult period or crisis.
To bear the cross: This idiom, often with religious connotations, refers to enduring suffering or hardship.
Original examples (not idioms):
Since established idioms with "tribulation" are rare, we can create some examples that illustrate its use in a figurative way, even if they aren't common sayings:
"The artist's soul was forged in the fires of tribulation." (Metaphorically using "fire" to represent tribulation).
"He carried the weight of his tribulations like a heavy cloak." (Using a physical image to express the burden of suffering).
"Her spirit was tested in the crucible of tribulation." (Using the image of a crucible, where metals are tested by extreme heat, to represent hardship).
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of tribulation from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
