pains
7 synonyms for pains, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Noun — Careful, deliberate effort put into doing something well (usually in the phrase "take pains").
Synonyms
Everyday swaps
Common words most readers know — safe in any writing.
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use pains
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
take pains to do something
go to great pains
spare no pains
Frequently asked questions
What does “pains” mean?
The word “pains” means careful, deliberate effort put into doing something well (usually in the phrase "take pains"). In plain terms, effort and care spent getting something right, almost always used with "take" or "go to.".
How do you pronounce “pains”?
“Pains” is pronounced paynz (/peɪnz/ in IPA).
How do you use “pains” in a sentence?
Here is “pains” used in a sentence: “She took great pains to make sure every detail was correct.”
What part of speech is “pains”?
“Pains” is a noun.
Is “pains” a common word?
“Pains” is a fairly common word in modern English.
What is the difference between pains in take pains and pain meaning physical discomfort?
In the phrase take pains, pains refers to careful effort or trouble taken over a task, while pain in its more common singular sense refers to physical or emotional discomfort. The two uses are related historically but function quite differently in modern English.
Is take pains a formal expression?
Take pains has a slightly formal or literary tone and appears more often in written English than in casual speech, where phrases like go to great lengths or make an effort are more typical.
