Lucubrate: meaning, definitions and examples

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lucubrate

 

[ luːˈkjuː.breɪt ]

Verb
Context #1 | Verb

study late

To lucubrate means to study or work late into the night, usually with intense concentration. It often implies that the work is difficult or requires deep thought, making it a term frequently associated with scholarly or intellectual pursuits. The act of lucubration may involve reading, writing, or other forms of academic labor, and it can be both a strenuous and fulfilling experience for those passionate about their subject. This term is derived from the Latin 'lucubrare,' which translates to 'to work by light'—highlighting the idea of working under artificial lighting during the hours of darkness.

Synonyms

contemplate, labor, research, study

Examples of usage

  • She often lucubrates in her office, drafting research papers late into the night.
  • Many students find themselves lucubrating before exams to get all the material covered.
  • He decided to lucubrate for his upcoming presentation, wanting to perfect every detail.

Translations

Translations of the word "lucubrate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 lucubrar

🇮🇳 गहन अध्ययन करना

🇩🇪 studieren

🇮🇩 belajar dengan giat

🇺🇦 поглиблено вивчати

🇵🇱 lucubrować

🇯🇵 熟考する

🇫🇷 lucubrer

🇪🇸 lucubrar

🇹🇷 çalışmak

🇰🇷 열심히 공부하다

🇸🇦 الدراسة بعمق

🇨🇿 studovat

🇸🇰 študovať

🇨🇳 深入研究

🇸🇮 učiti se

🇮🇸 lúta

🇰🇿 терең зерттеу

🇬🇪 დამაკმაყოფილებელი კვლევა

🇦🇿 dərin öyrənmək

🇲🇽 lucubrar

Word origin

The word 'lucubrate' traces its roots back to the Latin term 'lucubrare', which itself is a combination of 'lux' meaning 'light' and 'rubare', which relates to labor or work. This etymological journey reflects the deep connection between light and late-night work, suggesting that those who lucubrate do so under the light of a lamp or candle, a necessary tool for study long before the advent of electric lighting. The term entered the English language in the late 16th century, mainly used by scholars and poets who concentrated on intensive study and intellectual pursuits through the night. Its usage has evolved but still retains the core idea of serious and dedicated study during hours typically reserved for rest, emphasizing the commitment some have towards their intellectual ambitions.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #43,414, this word is among the least frequently used in common English. Understanding it can be beneficial for comprehensive language mastery, but it's not essential for most learners.