Lucubrated Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐
lucubrated
[luหหkjuห.br.eษชt ]
Definition
academic writing
To lucubrate means to work, study, or write late into the night. It often implies deep concentration and effort put into intellectual tasks, usually under the cover of darkness.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He often lucubrated into the early hours to finish his thesis.
- The students were found lucubrating in the library after hours.
- She lucubrated on her research paper for weeks before submission.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Literature
- The term often appears in academic writings, where scholars document deeply researched ideas.
- Famous authors, like Samuel Johnson, referenced 'lucubrated' works in discussing the challenges of writing.
- Works that are described as 'lucubrated' may convey complex ideas and are often aimed at advanced readers.
Psychology
- Studies suggest that late-night work can lead to creative insights as the brain makes unusual connections.
- The quiet of night often leads to fewer distractions, allowing for deeper focus and nuance in thought.
- However, too much late-night work can impact sleep, which is essential for consolidating learning and creativity.
Historical Context
- In the past, many scholars were known to work late into the night, often scheduling their days around the light they had.
- The practice of 'lucubration' was common among monks and philosophers who took advantage of nighttime solitude.
- Revolutionary ideas have often been formed during late-night sessions, leading to significant historical changes.
Current Usage
- 'Lucubrated' is less commonly used today, but can be found in academic discussions and critiques.
- In modern contexts, it may be associated with long nights of writing in academia or creative industries.
- Online platforms encourage late-night brainstorming sessions, echoing the essence of 'lucubration' in today's work culture.
Origin of 'lucubrated'
Main points about word origin
- 'Lucubrated' comes from the Latin word 'lucubrare', which means to work by lamp-light.
- The root 'lucu-' means 'light', reflecting the idea of studying at night when itโs dark.
- The term has been used since the 16th century, showcasing a long history of nighttime study.
The word 'lucubrate' derives from the Latin 'lucubrare', which means 'to work by lamp-light', formed from 'lux', meaning 'light'. The term evolved in the Middle Ages to describe those who would engage in scholarly pursuits during the nighttime hours, a practice common among scholars who had limited daylight for study or were employed during the day. 'Lucubrate' became a part of the English language in the 17th century, maintaining its connotation of late-night study or writing. Over the years, it has retained a somewhat archaic tone, often used in literary or academic contexts to evoke a sense of diligent scholarship or intellectual labor that occurs when the rest of the world is asleep.
Word Frequency Rank
With rank #43,677, 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.