Job Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ผ
job
[dสษb ]
Definitions
work
A paid position of regular employment.
Synonyms
employment, occupation, profession.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| job |
Refers to a specific task or role that someone does regularly for payment. Common in everyday conversation and can refer to any type of work, whether part-time, full-time, temporary, or permanent.
|
| occupation |
More formal than 'job' and typically refers to someone's main work or profession, particularly in contexts like forms, surveys, or official documents.
|
| profession |
Refers specifically to a type of job that requires special education, training, or qualifications. Often associated with jobs such as doctors, lawyers, and engineers.
|
| employment |
Generally used in a more formal context to refer to the state of having paid work. Often used in legal, economic, or policy discussions.
|
Examples of usage
- She has a full-time job as a teacher.
- Finding a job in this economy is tough.
task
A piece of work, especially a specific task done as part of the routine of one's occupation or for an agreed price.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| job |
Refers to a person's regular employment or occupation. It can also mean a specific task or duty.
|
| task |
Usually signifies a specific piece of work or duty that is part of a larger job or project. It can be used in various settings.
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| assignment |
Usually used in an academic or professional setting to refer to a specific task or piece of work given to someone.
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| project |
Refers to a larger, often collaborative endeavor with a specific goal that spans a period of time. Common in academic and work environments.
|
Examples of usage
- I have a few odd jobs to do around the house.
- Her job is to organize the event.
work
To work by the piece or at a job that is paid for according to the amount produced.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| job |
Refers to a specific position or task someone is employed to do and often implies regular payment.
|
| work |
A general term for activities involving mental or physical effort done to achieve a purpose or result; can refer to employment but also broader activities.
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| labor |
Refers to hard physical work, often used in formal or technical contexts, including economic discussions.
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| toil |
Denotes hard and continuous work, especially of a physical nature. It often has a connotation of hardship and struggle.
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Examples of usage
- She jobbed as a freelancer for a few years before starting her own business.
- He jobbed in construction to earn extra money.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
History
- In the Middle Ages, jobs were often determined by family trades, resulting in a society that encouraged apprenticeships.
- The Industrial Revolution in the 18th century shifted many people from farming to factory jobs, significantly changing work patterns.
- By the late 20th century, the concept of 'job satisfaction' became important, leading to discussions about work-life balance.
Economics
- Jobs are crucial for economic growth, providing the workforce that drives production and service delivery.
- Unemployment rates are often used as indicators of economic health; higher rates can signal economic downturns.
- The gig economy, with freelance and contract work, has reshaped the traditional job landscape, emphasizing flexibility.
Psychology
- Research suggests that having a job can significantly impact mental health and self-esteem positively.
- The concept of 'meaningful work' is central in psychology, relating to job satisfaction and personal fulfillment.
- Job-related stress can affect oneโs well-being, leading to the importance of stress management techniques in the workplace.
Pop Culture
- Jobs are often central themes in movies and TV shows, depicting characters' passions, struggles, and triumphs.
- Popular comic strips, like 'Dilbert,' humorously reflect the absurdities of office jobs and corporate culture.
- Famous entrepreneurs, such as Steve Jobs, are celebrated for their innovations and impact on the job market and technology.
Origin of 'job'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'job' comes from the 16th century, originally meaning 'a piece of work or task'.
- It was first recorded in writing in 1400, showcasing its long history in the English language.
- The term was once used to refer specifically to a small piece of work or task, gradually broadening in scope.
The word 'job' originated in the early 16th century as a piece of work. It has evolved over time to refer to a paid position of regular employment. The term is believed to have originated from Middle English 'jobbe' meaning lump or piece. Over the centuries, the meaning of 'job' has expanded to encompass various aspects of work and tasks.
See also: jobless, joblessness, jobs.