Labor Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ช
labor
[หleษชbษr ]
Definitions
workplace
Work, especially hard physical work.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| labor |
Often used in formal or technical settings, particularly in discussions about economic activities or childbirth.
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| work |
A broad and general term suitable for most contexts involving physical or mental activity. It can refer to employment, tasks, or artistic creation.
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| toil |
Emphasizes hard, exhausting, and continuous work, often with a sense of hardship or struggle. It can have a somewhat negative connotation.
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| effort |
Used when highlighting the exertion of physical or mental energy to achieve a goal or complete a task. Often implies a positive intent or determination.
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Examples of usage
- He was exhausted after a long day of labor.
- She found a job at a construction site, doing manual labor.
- The labor required to complete the project was immense.
- The workers were rewarded for their labor with a bonus at the end of the month.
- Her dedication to her work was evident in the quality of her labor.
action
Work hard; make great effort.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| labor |
Used to describe hard physical work, particularly in a professional or industrial setting.
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| toil |
Used to describe exhausting physical work, often with a negative connotation of hardship or drudgery.
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| strive |
Used to describe making a great effort to achieve or obtain something, usually implying a strong sense of determination.
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| endeavor |
Used to describe a serious attempt or effort towards a particular goal, often with an element of intent or ambition.
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Examples of usage
- They labored all night to finish the task before the deadline.
- She labored over her painting, striving for perfection.
- He labors in the fields from dawn till dusk.
- The team labored together to achieve their goal.
- The students labored through the difficult assignment.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Employment
- Labor markets fluctuate based on economic conditions, affecting job opportunities and worker demand.
- The concept of a 'labor union' emerged in the 19th century, organizing workers to secure better salaries and rights.
- Today, various fields require different types of labor, from physical work in construction to intellectual work in tech.
History
- The Industrial Revolution marked a significant shift in labor, moving jobs from farms to factories.
- Throughout history, labor rights movements have fought for fair treatment and pay for workers.
- Agricultural labor has been foundational to human societies, enabling the growth of civilizations.
Science
- In biology, the 'labor' of a cell refers to its work, such as growing, replicating, or repairing itself.
- The process of labor during childbirth is a physiological event where the body works to give birth.
- Labor optimization in manufacturing often employs technology to enhance efficiency and reduce fatigue.
Psychology
- Studies show that people often find satisfaction in their labor when it aligns with their interests and values.
- Stress and burnout can occur when individuals feel overwhelmed by their labor demands, highlighting the importance of work-life balance.
- Goal-setting theory suggests that setting specific labor goals can improve motivation and performance.
Origin of 'labor'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'labor' comes from the Latin 'laborare', meaning to work or toil.
- Its roots can be traced back to ancient Roman times, reflecting the importance of work in society.
- In Middle English, the word was spelled 'labour', connecting it to the time when people worked in agriculture.
The word 'labor' has its origins in Middle English, from Old French 'labour', based on Latin 'labor'. The term has evolved over time to represent a range of meanings related to work, effort, and exertion. In the context of industrialization and labor movements, 'labor' gained significance as a symbol of workers' rights and collective action. Today, 'labor' continues to be a fundamental concept in discussions of employment, productivity, and social justice.
See also: laboratory, laborer, laborers, laboring, laboriously.