Boredom: meaning, definitions and examples

๐Ÿ˜‘
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boredom

 

[หˆbษ”หrdษ™m ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

feeling

Boredom is the state of feeling weary and restless due to lack of interest or excitement. It is a common emotion experienced when one is unoccupied or lacking stimulation.

Synonyms

ennui, monotony, tedium.

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Word Description / Examples
boredom

A general feeling of being uninterested or having nothing to do; can apply to various situations.

  • He felt intense boredom during the long lecture.
  • The movie was so slow that it caused boredom among the audience.
ennui

A more sophisticated or literary term for deep, often existential boredom or dissatisfaction with life.

  • After months of doing the same routine, she experienced a profound sense of ennui.
  • His ennui was palpable as he wandered aimlessly through the old city.
tedium

The tediousness or tiresome nature of tasks or activities that are boring due to their length or complexity.

  • Filling out endless forms can result in excruciating tedium.
  • The meeting dragged on, filled with tedium and little productive discussion.
monotony

Repetitive and unchanging routines or tasks that lack variety and excitement.

  • The monotony of his job made every day feel exactly the same.
  • She couldn't stand the monotony of the daily commute.

Examples of usage

  • I felt a sense of boredom during the long lecture.
  • She scrolled through her phone to alleviate her boredom.
  • His job was so monotonous that it often led to feelings of boredom.
  • Children often complain of boredom when they have nothing to do.
  • The movie failed to capture my interest and left me with a sense of boredom.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Some studies suggest boredom can lead to creativity as it encourages people to seek out new experiences.
  • Being bored can motivate individuals to change their circumstances, prompting them to explore new hobbies or passions.
  • Chronic boredom might be linked to other emotional issues, like anxiety or depression, indicating a need for deeper engagement.

History

  • The word 'boredom' is believed to have entered the English language in the early 19th century, evolving from the term 'bore,' which means to be dull.
  • Historical figures, including philosophers like Blaise Pascal, wrote about boredom as a significant challenge of human existence.
  • In Victorian England, boredom was often associated with the leisure class, marking a stark contrast between their lives and the laboring population.

Cultural References

  • Rock music of the 1970s often captured feelings of boredom, as artists expressed discontent with mainstream life.
  • Literature, such as Albert Camus' 'The Stranger,' explores characters struggling with boredom and the absurdity of life.
  • Movies, like 'Ferris Bueller's Day Off,' highlight how boredom can lead to adventures, showcasing a youthful desire to escape monotony.

Education

  • Research in classrooms shows that students often feel bored when lessons lack engagement or real-world application.
  • Some educational experts argue that boredom can be beneficial, giving students a chance to reflect and think independently.
  • Engaging activities and interactive learning strategies are proven to reduce feelings of boredom in learners.

Technology

  • With the rise of smartphones, boredom has become less common as people turn to their devices for instant entertainment.
  • Social media platforms are designed to counter boredom, offering endless scrolling and constant updates.
  • Apps that promote mindfulness and productivity have emerged to help people manage their boredom creatively.

Translations

Translations of the word "boredom" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น tรฉdio

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค‰เคฌเคพเคŠเคชเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Langeweile

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ kebosanan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฝัƒะดัŒะณะฐ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ nuda

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ้€€ๅฑˆ (ใŸใ„ใใค)

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท ennui

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ aburrimiento

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท sฤฑkฤฑntฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์ง€๋ฃจํ•จ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ู„ู„

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ nuda

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ nuda

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๆ— ่Š (wรบliรกo)

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ dolgoฤasje

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ leiรฐindi

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะถะฐะปั‹า“ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ›แƒแƒฌแƒงแƒ”แƒœแƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ darฤฑxma

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ aburrimiento

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,492, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.