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Seelenpein

anguish of the soul, deep mental suffering

noun ZAY-len-pine Rare
Mind & Emotions Emotions

Usage Note

Seelenpein is a literary and elevated term for the deepest kind of psychological suffering, particularly that which has no easy remedy. It is distinct from Schmerz (pain) by its spiritual and enduring quality.

Examples

"Das Schweigen über den Verlust verwandelte sich in eine stille Seelenpein."

Natural Translation

The silence about the loss transformed itself into a quiet anguish of the soul.

Literal Translation

The silence about the loss transformed itself into a quiet soul-pain.

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