Chore: meaning, definitions and examples

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chore

 

[ tʃɔː(r) ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

daily routine

A chore is a task that is unpleasant but necessary to be done, such as cleaning, cooking, or laundry. It is often seen as a mundane or routine job that needs to be completed.

Synonyms

duty, job, task.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chore

Chore commonly refers to small, everyday tasks, usually related to household duties. Often seen as somewhat tedious or routine.

  • I need to do my chores before dinner.
  • Washing dishes is my least favorite chore.
task

Task is a general term for an activity or assignment that needs to be completed. It can be used in both professional and casual settings.

  • Today's task is to finish the project report.
  • Can you help me with this task?
duty

Duty refers to obligations or responsibilities, often with a formal or moral tone. It is used in more serious contexts compared to 'chore'.

  • It is my duty to take care of my family.
  • The firefighter fulfilled his duty by rescuing the child.
job

Job refers to work or tasks completed, especially in a professional or employment context.

  • She got a new job at the bank.
  • My job involves managing a team of engineers.

Examples of usage

  • I have to do the dishes again, it's such a chore.
  • Mowing the lawn is my least favorite chore.
Context #2 | Noun

boring activity

Chore can also refer to any activity that is tedious, monotonous, or boring. It is something that feels like a burden and is not enjoyable.

Synonyms

boredom, drudgery, tedium.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
chore

Typically used to describe everyday tasks or household duties that need to be done but might not be enjoyable.

  • Doing the laundry is such a chore.
  • I have a list of chores to complete before the weekend.
tedium

Used to describe a state of being tedious, long, or dull, implying monotony and uninteresting repetition.

  • The tedium of waiting for the report was unbearable.
  • She couldn't stand the tedium of assembling the same part over and over.
drudgery

Describes work that is hard, monotonous, and often repetitive, with a negative connotation.

  • The drudgery of data entry was overwhelming.
  • He spoke about the drudgery of his daily commute.
boredom

Refers to the feeling of being bored, having nothing to do, or not being interested in what you are doing.

  • She felt extreme boredom during the lecture.
  • To avoid boredom, try picking up a new hobby.

Examples of usage

  • Sitting through that meeting felt like a chore.
  • Reading that book was a real chore.

Translations

Translations of the word "chore" in other languages:

🇵🇹 tarefa

🇮🇳 काम

🇩🇪 Aufgabe

🇮🇩 tugas

🇺🇦 доручення

🇵🇱 zadanie

🇯🇵 仕事

🇫🇷 tâche

🇪🇸 tarea

🇹🇷 görev

🇰🇷 

🇸🇦 مهمة

🇨🇿 úkol

🇸🇰 úloha

🇨🇳 任务

🇸🇮 naloga

🇮🇸 verkefni

🇰🇿 тапсырма

🇬🇪 დავალება

🇦🇿 tapşırıq

🇲🇽 tarea

Etymology

The word 'chore' originated from the Old English word 'cere', which meant 'a turn, time, or period'. Over time, it evolved to refer to a routine or mundane task. The concept of chores has been present throughout history, as tasks like cooking, cleaning, and tending to livestock have always been necessary for daily life.

See also: chores.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #20,445, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.