problem
UK[ˈprɒbləm]US[ˈprɑːbləm]
n
something that causes difficulty or that is hard to deal with
n
a question to be solved or answered, especially in mathematics or science
Morpheme Breakdown
pro
blem
pro
forward
blem
thing thrown
Etymology
The word 'problem' originates from the Greek problēma, meaning "thing put forward" or "obstacle". This was formed from pro- ("forward") and ballein ("to throw"), so a problem was literally something "thrown forward" for consideration or solution. It entered English via Latin problema and Old French probleme, initially used in academic contexts like mathematics and logic. Over time, its meaning broadened from a formal proposition to be solved to encompass any difficult or troublesome matter requiring a solution.
Analysis
Structure: pro (forward) + blem (thing thrown)
- pro: Latin origin, meaning "forward, forth, before". In this word, it functions as a prefix.
- blem: From Greek bolē (a throw) via Latin -blema, meaning "thing thrown". It functions as a root.
Examples
The main problem with the plan is its high cost.
She solved the complex math problem in minutes.
We need to address the problem of traffic congestion in the city center.