What does chronic means?

The word "chronic" has multiple meanings depending on the context in which it is used. Here are some common meanings:

1. Relating to Time:

a. Long-lasting: "I have chronic pain in my back due to an old injury."

b. Prolonged or repeated over a long time: "He suffers from chronic stress because of his work schedule."

2. Medicine:

a. Persistent or enduring: "She has a chronic disease that requires ongoing management."

b. Opposite of "acute": Chronic conditions develop gradually and often last for months or years, unlike acute conditions that have a rapid onset and a shorter duration.

3. Figurative Use:

a. Habitual: "Their arguments turned into a chronic affair, straining their friendship."

b. Difficult to deal with or unpleasant, especially repeatedly: "The team faced chronic setbacks during the tournament."

Remember that "chronic" is an adjective often used to describe a situation or a state that persists over an extended period.