Belabor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฃ๏ธ
belabor
[bษชหleษชbษr ]
Definition
explain extensively
To belabor means to explain or discuss a subject in excessive detail, often to the point of becoming tedious or annoying. It can also mean to attack or harm someone physically, but the first meaning is much more common in everyday language. This term is often used in discussions about excessive verbosity or overly detailed arguments that do not add value. Belaboring an idea can detract from its effectiveness and lead to audience disengagement.
Synonyms
dwell, expand, overemphasize, reiterate, repeat.
Examples of usage
- She tends to belabor the point during meetings.
- Don't belabor your argument; just get to the conclusion.
- He belabored the issue until everyone lost interest.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Many authors have criticized the act of belaboring a point, often referencing it as a drawback in effective communication.
- In classic literature, characters sometimes belabor the moral lessons of their stories to drive home a point, showcasing how this can detract from the narrative.
- Playwrights often use belaboring dialogue to highlight a character's inability to understand simple concepts.
Psychology
- Over-explaining or belaboring a topic can lead to listener fatigue, diminishing engagement.
- Cognitive load theory suggests that excessive elaboration can overwhelm the audienceโs capacity to process information effectively.
- People who belabor their points may struggle with communication, potentially stemming from anxiety or a need for validation.
Business Communication
- In professional settings, being mindful of belaboring topics can improve efficiency and maintain audience interest during presentations.
- Rhetorical strategies in business recommend avoiding excessive details to keep discussions concise and actionable.
- Effective leaders often practice concise communication to prevent belaboring issues, ensuring meetings are productive.
Pop Culture
- In stand-up comedy, comedians may belabor jokes to emphasize punchlines, which can enhance humor or take away from it if overdone.
- Television and films often explore characters who belabor their problems, attracting humor from their exaggerated conversations.
- Social media has created a platform where users often belabor points in discussions, leading to lengthy threads on simple topics.
Origin of 'belabor'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'belabor' combines the prefix 'be-' meaning to make or cause and 'labor' meaning to work.
- It first appeared in English in the late 16th century, suggesting an emphasis on extensive work or discussion.
- In some contexts, it carries a negative connotation, implying that the speaker is being unnecessarily repetitive.
The word 'belabor' originated from the combination of the English prefix 'be-', meaning 'about' or 'on all sides,' and 'labor,' which comes from the Latin 'laborare,' meaning 'to work.' It first entered the English language in the late 16th century, specifically noted in the writings of playwrights and authors of that time. Over the centuries, its meaning has narrowed primarily to the context of discussing or explaining topics in an overly exhaustive manner. The transition into modern usage reflects a tendency in language to adapt terms based on societal and communicative needs. The evolution of 'belabor' plays into broader themes in English regarding verbosity and clarity in communication.