[General] predicament/ an awkward predicament

[vil]

Dear teachers,

Would you tell me your opinion about the interpretations of the expressions in bald in the following sentences?

I felt a sharp anger against him for the predicament in which he had placed me. (A. Cronin)

What a predicament!

``O woeful sympathy; piteous predicament!'' --Shak.

a predicament a difficult condition
predicament = boredom, weariness (figurative meaning)

Here was a predicament, because I was in a desperate hurry.

a predicament = an unpleasant situation

I am in an awkward predicament.

an awkward predicament = embarrassment

Thanks for your efforts.

Regards,

V

 

[azcl]

***Not a teacher***

Hi Vil,

According to one dictionary, predicament is defined as:
"an unpleasantly difficult, perplexing, or dangerous situation."

So regarding your definitions:

a predicament a difficult condition
predicament = boredom, weariness (figurative meaning)

The first one I agree with (although I might use 'situation' rather than 'condition'), the second I have not heard used as far as I recall.

a predicament = an unpleasant situation

This is a valid definition in the context given (although it could equally mean 'a difficult situation' as per your previous definition).

an awkward predicament = embarrassment

Again, this is a valid definition, although I think the most common usage of 'predicament' simply means a difficult or tricky situation.

Ade