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stoic-anguish

/ˌstəʊ.ɪk ˈæŋ.ɡwɪʃ/
IELTSAcademic
noun

pain, sorrow, or distress that is shown with calm control. It suggests someone suffers deeply but does not complain openly.

  • She faced the news with stoic anguish.
  • His stoic anguish showed in his quiet eyes.
  • He accepted the loss with stoic anguish.

Adinary Nuance

Stoic anguish is not the same as simple sadness or grief. It means strong pain or sorrow, but the person keeps a calm face. Writers may choose it when they want both restraint and deep feeling in the same phrase. It is more literary and emotional than ordinary words like sadness or pain.

In other languages

Vietnamese
Nỗi đau âm thầm
Spanish
Angustia estoica
Chinese
隐忍的痛苦
Japanese
静かな苦悩
Korean
담담한 고통

Etymology

This phrase combines English stoic, from Greek stoikos, and anguish, from Old French anguish(e), from Latin angustia, meaning "narrowness" or "distress." It is a modern descriptive phrase, not a long-established dictionary word.

Common phrases

stoic anguish in silencea look of stoic anguishendure stoic anguish

Synonyms

Related words

Frequently asked questions

Is stoic anguish a common phrase?
No, it is uncommon and more literary than everyday speech.
How is stoic anguish different from grief?
Grief is the feeling of loss. Stoic anguish adds calm control and hidden pain.
Can I use stoic anguish in academic writing?
Yes, if you want a formal or literary tone.