suffer through

/ˈsʌfər θruː/
phrasal verbIntermediatephrasal verb
informal

To endure or experience something unpleasant or difficult over a period of time, often reluctantly or with discomfort.

She had to suffer through a boring lecture before the interesting part began.

He suffered through the long, tedious meeting without complaining.

💡

This phrase often implies a sense of reluctance or resignation, as the subject is enduring something they would prefer to avoid.

Collocations

suffer through a lectureendure a boring or uninteresting lecturesuffer through a conversationendure a difficult or awkward conversation

Synonyms

Antonyms

Related Phrases

put up withphrase
to tolerate something unpleasant
grit one's teethidiom
to endure something difficult with determination

💡Pro Tip

Context Matters

Use 'suffer through' when describing a prolonged, unpleasant experience that someone endures reluctantly.

Gold Rule

Avoid Overuse

This phrase can sound negative or complaining if used too frequently. Use it sparingly to maintain its impact.

📖Word Origin

The verb 'suffer' comes from Old French 'sufrir' (to suffer), from Latin 'sufferre' (to bear, endure). The preposition 'through' emphasizes the duration or completion of the unpleasant experience.

📝Usage Notes

This phrase is commonly used in informal contexts to describe enduring something unpleasant or difficult. It can also be used humorously or sarcastically to emphasize the speaker's reluctance.

Word Breakdown

suffer
to experience pain or discomfort
root
+
through
indicates the duration or completion of an action
preposition
English Dictionary