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adj C1 Advanced

torturous

TAWT-shuh-ruhs

Torturous (adj) means Extremely painful or agonizing. Example: “The final mile of the marathon felt torturous.”

adj
1
Extremely painful or agonizing.
"The final mile of the marathon felt torturous."
"It was a torturous wait for the test results."

How to use torturous

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishCausing intense pain or discomfort, physically or emotionally.

Common mistake

Don't confuse with "tortuous," which describes something winding or full of twists and turns (like a road), not something painful.

Easily confused with
tortuous

Word forms

more torturous comparative, most torturous superlative

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The final mile of the marathon felt _____.

Etymology

From Middle English torterous, ultimately traced to Latin tortura, "torture."

Origin: Latin

Related words

Rhymes for torturous

See all rhymes for torturous →

Frequently asked questions

What does “torturous” mean?

The word “torturous” means extremely painful or agonizing. In plain terms, causing intense pain or discomfort, physically or emotionally.

How do you pronounce “torturous”?

“Torturous” is pronounced TAWT-shuh-ruhs (/ˈtɔɹt͡ʃəɹəs/ in IPA).

How do you use “torturous” in a sentence?

Here is “torturous” used in a sentence: “The final mile of the marathon felt torturous.”

What is another word for “torturous”?

Words with a similar meaning to “torturous” include tormentous.

What part of speech is “torturous”?

“Torturous” is an adjective.

Where does the word “torturous” come from?

The word “torturous” comes from Latin. From Middle English torterous, ultimately traced to Latin tortura, "torture.".

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