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Dictionary-enhanced word family

Word Forms of “Difficulty”

Something that is hard to do or a problem you face.

Word Family of Difficulty

What is the noun of difficulty? — difficulty

difficulty

What is the adjective of difficulty? — difficult

difficult

What is the adverb of difficulty? — difficultly

difficultly

How to Use Each Word Form in a Sentence

  • She had difficulty learning to drive. A2
  • The main difficulty was finding the right location. B1
  • Students face many difficulties during the first semester. B1

Word Form Patterns for Difficulty

-ly

Adds **-ly** to make an adverb describing how an action happens. Example: difficulty → difficultly.

Origin and Word Formation of Difficulty

From Latin difficultate: dis- (not) + facilis (easy).

Common Word Form Mistakes with Difficulty

Wrong: She has difficulty to understand the lesson.

Correct: She has difficulty understanding the lesson.

After 'have difficulty', use gerund (understanding) not 'to-infinitive'.

Wrong: We overcome the difficulties.

Correct: We overcame the difficulties.

Verb must match the past tense context; 'overcome' needs past form 'overcame'.

Frequently Asked Questions About Word Forms of Difficulty

What are the word forms of “difficulty”?

The confirmed forms are shown in the word family cards above. Missing parts of speech are hidden instead of filled with placeholder text.

What part of speech is “difficulty”?

“difficulty” is primarily a noun. Some forms above show how the same root works as other parts of speech.

Where does “difficulty” come from?

From Latin difficultate: dis- (not) + facilis (easy).

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