problem-
(Greek > Latin: literally, "something thrown forward, to throw forward")
"A difficult question proposed for solution", from Old French problème (14th century), from Latin problema, from Greek problema, "a problem, a question"; literally, "a thing put forward" from proballein, "propose" from pro, "forward" plus ballein, "to throw".
problem
1. A question or situation that presents doubt, uncertainty, perplexity, or difficulty.
2. A question proposed for solution or discussion.
3. In mathematics: A statement requiring a solution, usually by means of a mathematical operation or geometric construction.
4. Someone who is difficult to deal with.
5. Difficult to train or guide; unruly; such as, a problem child.
6. In literature: Dealing with choices of action difficult either for an individual or for society at large.
7. "No problem", used as a conventional reply to a request or to express confirmation, affirmation, or gratitude.
8. Etymology: "a difficult question proposed for solution", from Old French problème (14c.); from Latin problema, from Greek problema, "a problem, a question"; literally, "thing put forward"; from proballein, "propose"; from pro-, "forward" + ballein, "to throw".
2. A question proposed for solution or discussion.
3. In mathematics: A statement requiring a solution, usually by means of a mathematical operation or geometric construction.
4. Someone who is difficult to deal with.
5. Difficult to train or guide; unruly; such as, a problem child.
6. In literature: Dealing with choices of action difficult either for an individual or for society at large.
7. "No problem", used as a conventional reply to a request or to express confirmation, affirmation, or gratitude.
8. Etymology: "a difficult question proposed for solution", from Old French problème (14c.); from Latin problema, from Greek problema, "a problem, a question"; literally, "thing put forward"; from proballein, "propose"; from pro-, "forward" + ballein, "to throw".
problematic (adjective), more problematic, most problematic
1. A reference to the doubtful, uncertain, or questionable nature of a condition or a situation: Economic claims for future investments are often problematic presentations that do not turn out to be accurate.
2. Pertaining to a problem; difficult to solve: A repair of Karen's car proved more problematic than first expected.
3. Not settled; unresolved or dubious: Jonathan has a problematic future as a computer expert.
4. Etymology: from Greek problematikos and from Latin problematicus, "relating to a problem."
© ALL rights are reserved.
Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
2. Pertaining to a problem; difficult to solve: A repair of Karen's car proved more problematic than first expected.
3. Not settled; unresolved or dubious: Jonathan has a problematic future as a computer expert.
4. Etymology: from Greek problematikos and from Latin problematicus, "relating to a problem."
Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
so you can see more of Mickey Bach's cartoons.
problematical
1. Posing a problen.
2. Open to doubt; debatable.
3. Making great mental demands.
4. Hard to comprehend or solve.
2. Open to doubt; debatable.
3. Making great mental demands.
4. Hard to comprehend or solve.
problematically
In such a way as to pose a problem.
problematize
To propose problems.
problems
Things that cause difficulties or those things that are hard to deal with.
unproblematic
Easy and not involved or complicated; uncomplicated: "It was an unproblematic solution to the situation."
<img src="/img/left_arrow_sm.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/img/right_arrow_sm.gif" alt="" />
Showing 1 page of 7 main-word entries or main-word-entry groups.