Problème

Problème is a French noun meaning a matter or situation that presents a difficulty or requires a solution. It can refer to an obstacle to overcome, a question to be answered, or a task that tests one’s abilities. In everyday use it covers a wide range of concerns, from practical impediments to philosophical questions. In mathematics and logic, a problème specifically denotes a question posed to be solved or proven.

Etymology: The word enters French from Latin problema, itself from Greek problēma, derived from proballein meaning to throw forward, i.e., something presented for consideration or debate.

Definitions and forms: The masculine noun is le problème; the plural is les problèmes. The feminine form is rarely used in standard French. The related adjective problématique means problematic or relating to problems, and the noun problématique denotes the set of questions or issues studied within a field.

Usage and contexts: In daily speech a problème may be a practical difficulty (un problème de transport), a personal issue (un problème familial), or a theoretical question (un problème mathématique). In mathematics or computer science, it describes a task to be solved or a question to be answered. In computing, un problème can also refer to a defect or malfunction, often translated as a bug (un problème logiciel). The term is commonly translated into English as "problem," with nuances better captured by "issue" or "challenge" in certain contexts.

See also: problem, issue, challenge, dilemma.