Definition, synonyms and related words
simple past tense and past participle of challenge
"The student challenged the teacher's interpretation of the rule during the debate."
In plain English: To challenge someone means to question their authority, doubt what they say, or try to make them prove themselves wrong.
"She challenged her friend to a game of chess."
Lacking some physical or mental attribute or skill ; used after adverbs to make politically correct adjectives.
"The physically challenged athlete relied on her determination rather than speed to win the race."
In plain English: Challenged means having difficulty doing something that most people can do easily, often because of a disability or learning difference.
"The challenging question stumped everyone in the room."
Usage: Use this adjective primarily in formal contexts when describing individuals who lack specific physical or mental attributes, often following an adverb like "visually" for political correctness. Avoid using it casually as a synonym for difficult because that meaning belongs to the verb form of the word.