problem
/ˈprɒbləm/
noun
Origin
Ancient Greek
problēma — obstacle, projection, a task set for solution
Overview
Meaning Now
- A matter or situation regarded as unwelcome or harmful and needing to be dealt with and overcome.
- A thing that is difficult to achieve or accomplish; a difficult task.
- A question raised for inquiry, consideration, or solution in mathematics or logic.
Literal older meaning
a thing thrown forward
Language path
Ancient Greek → Latin → Old French → Middle English → English
Earliest form
probleme
Earliest period
14th century
Journey
The word originally described something 'thrown forward' in one's path, serving as an obstacle. It was later adopted in academic settings to refer to intellectual challenges or mathematical questions that required a deliberate effort to resolve.
Evolution
- Ancient Greek
problēma
“a projection or a problem”
- Late Latin
problema
“a difficult question”
- Middle English
probleme
“a mathematical or theological puzzle”
Connections
Word parts
pro-
prefix
forward
ballein
root
to throw
Related across languages
French
problème
problem
German
problem
Related words
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Related to problem
External references use DefinedTerm semantics.