Meaning and usage of the word dilemma in English

Meaning of vocabulary dilemma

dilemmanoun

tình trạng khó xử

/dɪˈlemə//dɪˈlemə/

Origin of the word dilemma

The word "dilemma" has its roots in ancient Greece. In Greek, the word "diplomma" (ainties) refers to a decision or choice, while ""pathos" (way) refers to a path or a course of action. The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle used the term "dilemma" to describe a situation where one is faced with two alternatives and must choose one, but where each choice has negative consequences. The word "dilemma" was later adopted into Latin as "dilemma," and eventually made its way into Middle English as "dilemma." Over time, the meaning of the word has broadened to encompass any situation where one is faced with a difficult decision or choice, and where the available options are equally unappealing. Despite its evolution, the word "dilemma" remains a staple of everyday language, used to describe the most common and relatable of human predicaments.

Vocabulary summary dilemma

typenoun

meaningsong questions

meaningdilemma, dilemma

examplebetween (on) the horns of a dilemma

exampleto be put into (reduced to) a dilemma

typeDefault

meaning(logic) dilemma

Example of vocabulary dilemmanamespace

  • The CEO of the company faced a dilemma when two equally qualified candidates applied for the same position.
  • The doctor presented the patient with a medical dilemma, explaining that two treatments had their own benefits and risks.
  • The couple was faced with a dilemma when they discovered they were expecting twins but couldn't afford to raise two children at once.
  • The writer struggled with a literary dilemma, trying to decide between two equally compelling endings for their novel.
  • The politician had to make a difficult choice between two equally important legislative proposals, both of which had potential consequences.

Words, synonyms, related vocabulary dilemma

Idioms of vocabulary dilemma

on the horns of a dilemma
in a situation in which you have to make a choice between things that are equally unpleasant
  • The medical profession’s eagerness for scientific advance had impaled it on the horns of a dilemma, forcing an unnatural choice between science and morality.
  • The dire economic situation had placed the prime minister on the horns of a dilemma.

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