problem: [14] A problem is etymologically something ‘thrown forward’. The word comes via Old French probleme and Latin problēma from Greek próblēma, a derivative of probállein ‘throw forward’. This was a compound verb formed from the prefix pro- ‘forward’ and bállein ‘throw’ (source of English ballistic, emblem, parable, etc). Things that are ‘thrown out’ project and can get in the way and hinder one, and so próblēma came to be used for an ‘obstacle’ or ‘problem’ – senses carried through into English problem. => ballistic, emblem, parable, symbol
problem (n.)
late 14c., "a difficult question proposed for solution," from Old French problème (14c.) and directly from Latin problema, from Greek problema "a task, that which is proposed, a question;" also "anything projecting, headland, promontory; fence, barrier;" also "a problem in geometry," literally "thing put forward," from proballein "propose," from pro "forward" (see pro-) + ballein "to throw" (see ballistics).
Meaning "a difficulty" is mid-15c. Mathematical sense is from 1560s in English. Problem child first recorded 1920. Phrase _______ problem in reference to a persistent and seemingly insoluble difficulty is attested at least from 1882, in Jewish problem. Response no problem "that is acceptable; that can be done without difficulty" is recorded from 1968.
实用例句
1. The plan is good; the problem is it doesn't go far enough.
计划不错；问题在于不够深入。
来自柯林斯例句
2. I pushed the problem aside; at present it was insoluble.
我把问题抛在一边，目前它还无法解决。
来自柯林斯例句
3. The letter was short — a simple recitation of their problem.
信写得很短——只是简单地说了一下他们的问题。
来自柯林斯例句
4. Doctor believed that his low sperm count was the problem.
医生认为他的精子数太低是问题所在。
来自柯林斯例句
5. You did us a great favour by disposing of that problem.
