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Definition of problem - 5 dictionary results

prob⋅lem

  [prob-luhm]
Use problem in a Sentence
–noun
1. any question or matter involving doubt, uncertainty, or difficulty.
2. a question proposed for solution or discussion.
3. Mathematics. a statement requiring a solution, usually by means of a mathematical operation or geometric construction.
–adjective
4. difficult to train or guide; unruly: a problem child.
5. Literature. dealing with choices of action difficult either for an individual or for society at large: a problem play.
—Idiom
6. no problem, (used as a conventional reply to a request or to express confirmation, affirmation, or gratitude).
Origin:
1350–1400; ME probleme < L problēma < Gk próblēma orig., obstacle, (akin to probállein to throw or lay before), equiv. to pro- pro- 2 + -blē-, var. s. of bállein to throw (cf. parabola ) + -ma n. suffix of result

Synonyms:
1, 2. puzzle, riddle, enigma.

Antonyms:
1. certitude.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
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prob·lem   (prŏb'ləm)   
n.  
  1. A question to be considered, solved, or answered: math problems; the problem of how to arrange transportation.
  2. A situation, matter, or person that presents perplexity or difficulty: was having problems breathing; considered the main problem to be his boss. See Usage Note at dilemma.
  3. A misgiving, objection, or complaint: I have a problem with his cynicism.
adj.  
  1. Difficult to deal with or control: a problem child.
  2. Dealing with a moral or social problem: a problem play.

[Middle English probleme, from Old French, from Latin problēma, problēmat-, from Greek, from proballein, to throw before, put forward : pro-, before; see pro-2 + ballein, blē-, to throw; see gwelə- in Indo-European roots.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Problem

Prob"lem\, n. [F. probl[`e]me, L. problema, fr. Gr. ? anything thrown forward, a question proposed for solution, fr. ? to throw or lay before; ? before, forward + ? 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.

Note: 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's Revised Unabridged Dictionary, © 1996, 1998 MICRA, Inc.
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Language Translation for : problem
Spanish: problema,
German: das Problem, Problem-…,
Japanese: 問題
More Translations »

problem 
1382, "a difficult question proposed for solution," from O.Fr. problème (14c.), from L. problema, from Gk. problema "a problem, a question," lit. "thing put forward," from proballein "propose," from pro "forward" + ballein "to throw" (see ballistics). Problem child first recorded 1920.
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2001 Douglas Harper
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problem

see no problem.

The American Heritage® Dictionary of Idioms by Christine Ammer.
Copyright © 1997. Published by Houghton Mifflin.
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