agony

The word “agony” means extreme physical pain or mental suffering. In plain terms, severe pain or distress, whether it's a physical injury or an unbearable wait for news.

“Agony” is pronounced AG-uh-nee (/ˈæɡ.ə.ni/ in IPA).

Here is “agony” used in a sentence: “He was in agony after breaking his arm.”

Words with a similar meaning to “agony” include anguish, torment, throe, distress, pang and suffering.

The opposite of “agony” — its antonyms — are ecstasy, analgesia, bliss and pleasure.

“Agony” is a noun.

The word “agony” comes from Greek. From Greek agonia, "struggle, contest," from agon, "a contest" — originally describing the intense struggle before death, later broadened to any extreme suffering.

“Agony” is an uncommon word in modern English, usually learned at around the B2 level.

"Pain" is a general term for physical or emotional discomfort of any intensity, while "agony" specifically refers to extreme, often overwhelming suffering, whether physical or mental. Not all pain is agony, but agony is always severe.

In British English, an "agony aunt" (or "agony uncle") is a newspaper columnist who answers readers' personal problems, and an "agony column" is the section featuring such advice, extending "agony" beyond physical suffering to personal difficulties.

Yes, "agony" applies equally to intense physical pain, such as "in agony from a broken leg," and severe emotional distress, such as "agony over a difficult decision."