Problemes

Problemes is the unaccented plural form of the French noun problème, normally written with an acute accent as problèmes. In standard French, problème refers to a matter that requires a solution, a difficulty, or a question presented for consideration. The plural problème becomes problemes, with the same meaning applied to multiple situations or questions. The term originates from the Greek prōblema, meaning “something put forward” or “a task,” passed into Latin as problema and later into French, where the accent marks were added to indicate pronunciation.

In everyday usage, problemes covers a broad range of meanings—from practical difficulties in daily life to formal questions in academic or technical contexts. In mathematics and the sciences, a problème is typically a well-posed task or question that invites analysis and a solution. In philosophy and logic, problems may concern foundational questions about knowledge, existence, or consistency. In the workplace and media, the word commonly denotes issues that require investigation, decision-making, or remediation.

Problem solving is a central activity associated with problemes, involving identifying the problem, generating potential solutions, evaluating options, and implementing a remedy. Educational approaches such as problem-based learning emphasize solving real-world problemes to develop reasoning and collaborative skills. The term also appears in common phrases describing difficulties, such as “résoudre un problème” (to solve a problem) and “problèmes à résoudre” (problems to be addressed).

See also: Problème, problem solving, well-defined problem, ill-posed problem, open problem.