chronic

Pronunciation

bested (IPA: /ˈbɛstɪd/)

Here's the IPA breakdown by syllable:

• ˈkrɒn (first syllable)

• /ˈ/: primary stress on the first vowel sound

• /k/: voiceless velar plosive (similar to the "k" sound in "key")

• /ɹ/: alveolar approximant (similar to the "r" sound in American English "run")

• /ɒ/: open back rounded vowel (similar to the "o" sound in "bought")

• ɪk (second syllable)

• /ɪ/: near-close front unrounded vowel (similar to the "i" sound in "bit")

• /k/: voiceless velar plosive (same as the first syllable)

Word Form Variations

The word "chronic" has very few variations in its form. Here's the breakdown:

• Singular: chronic

• Plural: chronic (remains the same)

• Comparative: more chronic

• Superlative: most chronic

• Adverb: chronically

There are no other verb forms or noun derivatives for "chronic" itself. However, there are related words derived from the same root "chron-" that have different forms, such as:

• Chronicity (noun) - refers to the state of being chronic

• Non-chronic (adjective) - opposite of chronic

• Subchronic (adjective) - less severe or shorter duration than chronic

These related words will have their own plural forms following standard grammar rules (e.g., plural of "chronicity" is "chronicities").

Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms

Adjective

• Definition 1: Continuing for a long time and often recurring; persistent. (e.g., chronic pain, chronic illness)

• Synonyms: long-lasting, persistent, recurring, ongoing, constant, unremitting, lingering, inveterate (habitual)

• Antonyms: acute (short-term and severe), temporary, fleeting, passing

• Definition 2: Habitual or inveterate. (e.g., a chronic complainer)

• Synonyms: habitual, inveterate, ingrained, persistent, constant, unremitting

Adverb (derived from the adjective)

• Definition: In a chronic manner; persistently. (e.g., He chronically complains about everything.)

• Synonyms: persistently, constantly, habitually, continuously, unremittingly

Note: "Chronic" does not have a noun or verb form on its own. However, there are related nouns derived from the same root "chron-" such as "chronicity" (the state of being chronic). These related words will have their own definitions and variations depending on the part of speech.

Examples of Use

1. Medical Context (Newspaper):

• "The new study sheds light on the complex interplay between genetics and lifestyle factors in the development of chronic diseases." (The New York Times) [Newspaper]

2. Habitual Behaviour (Book):

• "In her new novel, the protagonist grapples with the chronic insecurity that plagues her personal relationships." (J.D. Salinger, Catcher in the Rye) [Book]

3. Persistent Problem (Online Publication):

• "Traffic congestion is a chronic issue in major cities around the world, leading to frustration and lost productivity." (National Geographic website) [Online Publication]

4. Entertainment Media (Movie):

• Movie Dialogue: "Look, I know you're going through a rough patch, but this chronic negativity is getting us nowhere." (Movie title: Silver Linings Playbook)

5. General Public Discourse:

• "I'm starting to think my neighbour's barking dog is a chronic nuisance. Maybe I should talk to them about it." (Everyday conversation)

6. Scientific Research:

• "Researchers are investigating potential treatments for chronic pain, aiming to improve the quality of life for millions of patients." (Medical journal article) [Scientific Research]

10 Famous Quotes Using the term Chronic

While there aren't many famous quotes that directly use the word "chronic" itself, there are many inspirational quotes that address the concept of chronic conditions and perseverance:

1. “Strength does not come from physical capacity. It comes from indomitable will.” - (Unknown) [This quote highlights the strength needed to live with chronic illness]

2. “The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson [This quote emphasises personal growth despite challenges]

3. “Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, and sings the tune without the words, and never stops at all.” - Emily Dickinson [Hope is a vital aspect of coping with chronic conditions]

4. “It's not about how many times you fall that counts. It's about how many times you get back up.” - Nelson Mandela [Resilience is key in dealing with chronic setbacks]

5. “The wound is the place where the Light enters you.” - Rumi [Finding meaning and strength in difficult experiences]

6. “You don't have to be great to start, but you have to start to be great.” - Zig Ziglar [Taking small steps towards a better life]

7. “The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart.” - Helen Keller [Chronic illness can heighten appreciation for life's simple joys]

8. “There is a crack in everything, that's how the light gets in.” - Leonard Cohen [Finding light and beauty even in the midst of struggle]

9. “Our greatest glory is not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall.” - Nelson Mandela [Repeatedly emphasised for its relevance to chronic conditions]

10. “Don't be afraid of the space between your dreams and reality. If you can dream it, you can achieve it.” - Belva Davis [Holding onto hope and striving for a better life]

These quotes, while not directly using "chronic," capture the essence of strength, perseverance, and hope that are often needed when dealing with chronic situations.

Etymology

The word "chronic" is like a family tree with roots in ancient Greece! Here's the breakdown:

• Origin: The word comes from the Greek word "chronos," which simply means "time."

• Early meaning: The Greeks had a word "chronikos" based on "chronos," which meant "of or concerning time." However, interestingly, this Greek word didn't have the meaning of "long-lasting" that we associate with "chronic" today.

• Latin connection: The word traveled from Greece to Latin, where it became "chronicus." Latin medical writers used "chronicus" to describe diseases that lasted a long time, and this meaning stuck.

• French influence: In the 1600s, English borrowed "chronic" from French, which had gotten it from Latin.

So, while "chronic" originally just meant "related to time," medical folks in ancient Rome gave it the meaning of "long-lasting" that we use today.

Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Chronic

• Chronic pain: This is a well-known term for pain that persists for a long time and can be difficult to treat.

• Chronic illness: Similar to chronic pain, this refers to a disease or condition that lasts for a long time and often requires ongoing management.

• Chronic shortage: This describes a situation where there's a constant lack of something, like a chronic shortage of qualified teachers.

• Be chronically late: This idiom means someone habitually arrives after the expected time.

• A chronic complainer: This describes someone who constantly complains and finds fault with everything.

• In a chronic state of: This phrase indicates a situation that persists for a long time, for example, "in a chronic state of stress."

• Go chronic on someone: This is a less common, informal phrase that means to constantly pester or annoy someone. (Use with caution - This idiom might be considered rude or offensive depending on the context)

1. Bonus: While not technically an idiom, "chronic" can be used informally to emphasise something very bad or extreme. For example, "That movie was chronic!" (Informal usage)

Posts Related to Chronic

Source Information

Definition of chronic from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.