Definify.com
Webster 1913 Edition
Problem
Prob′lem
,Noun.
[F.
problème
, L. problema
, fr. Gr. [GREEK] anything thrown forward, a question proposed for solution, fr. [GREEK] to throw or lay before; [GREEK] before, forward + [GREEK] to throw. Cf. Parable
. ] 1.
A question proposed for solution; a matter stated for examination or proof; hence, a matter difficult of solution or settlement; a doubtful case; a question involving doubt.
Bacon.
2.
(Math.)
Anything which is required to be done; as, in geometry, to bisect a line, to draw a perpendicular; or, in algebra, to find an unknown quantity.
☞ Problem differs from theorem in this, that a problem is something to be done, as to bisect a triangle, to describe a circle, etc.; a theorem is something to be proved, as that all the angles of a triangle are equal to two right angles.
Plane problem
(Geom.)
, a problem that can be solved by the use of the rule and compass.
– Solid problem
(Geom.)
, a problem requiring in its geometric solution the use of a conic section or higher curve.
Webster 1828 Edition
Problem
PROB'LEM
,Noun.
1.
In logic, a preposition that appears neither absolutely true nor false, and consequently may be asserted either in the affirmative or negative.2.
In geometry, a proposition in which some operation or construction is required, as to divide a line or an angle, to let fall a perpendicular, &c.3.
In general, any question involving doubt or uncertainty, and requiring some operation, experiment or further evidence for its solution. The problem is, whether a strong and constant belief that a thing will be, helps any thing to the effecting of the thing.
Definition 2024
Problem
Problem
German
Noun
Problem n (genitive Problems, plural Probleme)
Declension
Declension of Problem
Derived terms
Derived terms
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Luxembourgish
Etymology
From French problème and German Problem. Pronunciation and gender are based on the French word, whereas the spelling is that of German.
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /ˈpʁoblæm/
Noun
Problem m (plural Problemer)
- problem
- De Jugendchômage ass e Problem, dee séier muss geléist ginn.
- Youth unemployment is a problem that needs to be solved quickly.
- De Jugendchômage ass e Problem, dee séier muss geléist ginn.
problem
problem
English
Alternative forms
- probleme (obsolete)
Noun
problem (plural problems or problemata)
- A difficulty that has to be resolved or dealt with.
- She's leaving because she faced numerous problems to do with racism.
- 1915, Emerson Hough, The Purchase Price, chapterI:
- “[…] it is not fair of you to bring against mankind double weapons ! Dangerous enough you are as woman alone, without bringing to your aid those gifts of mind suited to problems which men have been accustomed to arrogate to themselves.”
- 2014 March 7, Nicole Vulser, “Perfume manufacturers must cope with the scarcity of precious supplies”, in The Guardian Weekly, volume 190, number 13, page 30:
- The perfume industry is facing a major problem: maintaining constant levels of quality is crucial, but it is increasingly difficult to obtain a regular supply of all the necessary natural ingredients.
- A question to be answered, schoolwork exercise.
- A puzzling circumstance.
Antonyms
Hyponyms
Derived terms
terms derived from problem (noun)
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Translations
difficulty
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schoolwork exercise
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puzzling circumstance
Adjective
problem (comparative more problem, superlative most problem)
- (of a person or an animal) Difficult to train or guide; unruly.
- Causing a problem; problematic; troublesome.
- 2010, A. M. Aleksander, The Pride of the King
- It is more problem to my family than to me.
- 2010, A. M. Aleksander, The Pride of the King
See also
External links
- problem in Webster’s Revised Unabridged Dictionary, G. & C. Merriam, 1913
- problem in The Century Dictionary, The Century Co., New York, 1911
- problem at OneLook Dictionary Search
Norwegian Bokmål
Noun
problem n (definite singular problemet, indefinite plural problem or problemer, definite plural problema or problemene)
- a problem
Derived terms
References
- “problem” in The Bokmål Dictionary.
Norwegian Nynorsk
Noun
problem n (definite singular problemet, indefinite plural problem, definite plural problema)
- a problem
Derived terms
References
- “problem” in The Nynorsk Dictionary.
Polish
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): [ˈprɔblɛ̃m]
Noun
problem m inan
Declension
declension of problem
Serbo-Croatian
Pronunciation
- IPA(key): /prǒbleːm/
Noun
pròblēm m (Cyrillic spelling про̀бле̄м)
Declension
Declension of problem
Swedish
Pronunciation
Noun
problem n
- problem; difficulty
- problem; schoolwork exercise
Declension
| Inflection of problem | ||||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Singular | Plural | |||
| Indefinite | Definite | Indefinite | Definite | |
| Nominative | problem | problemet | problem | problemen |
| Genitive | problems | problemets | problems | problemens |
Related terms
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Synonyms
References
- problem in Svenska Akademiens Ordlista över svenska språket (13th ed., online)