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Shouldering Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿ’ช
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shouldering

[หˆสƒoสŠldษ™rษชล‹ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

carrying burden

Shouldering refers to the act of placing a heavy load or burden on one's shoulders to carry it. This can be a literal action, such as carrying boxes, or a metaphorical one, where someone takes on responsibilities or challenges. It implies a sense of strength and endurance as one bears weight, either physically or emotionally. This term is often used to convey the idea of facing difficulties head-on and dealing with the pressures that come with them.

Synonyms

bearing, burdening, carrying.

Examples of usage

  • He is shouldering the responsibility for his team's success.
  • The workers were shouldering heavy loads as they moved supplies.
  • She is shouldering the emotional burden of her friend's problems.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Taking on burdens can foster a sense of purpose and increase personal strength in individuals.
  • However, overloading oneself can lead to stress and mental fatigue, illustrating the need for balance in responsibilities.

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, the act of shouldering symbolizes strength and perseverance, often reflected in art and literature.
  • Proverbs across different languages reference ''shouldering'' duties as a sign of maturity and reliability.

Sports

  • In football and rugby, shouldering a tackle is a strategic move, demonstrating both physical strength and tactical skill.
  • Athletes often use ''shouldering'' as a metaphor for facing challenges and pushing through difficulties.

Literature

  • Shouldering can represent the burdens heroes carry โ€“ both literally and figuratively โ€“ on their journeys.
  • Classic literature often depicts characters shouldering the weight of societal expectations or personal failings, adding depth to their narratives.

Origin of 'shouldering'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from 'shoulder,' which has roots in Old English 'sculdor' meaning the part of the body that supports our arms.
  • Initially, it described the physical act of carrying weight on oneโ€™s shoulder before evolving to also mean responsibility.

The word 'shoulder' originates from the Old English 'sculdor', which can be traced back to Germanic roots. Its usage has evolved through the centuries, retaining the core meaning related to the part of the body that supports the arms and bears weight. The term 'shouldering' emerged as a natural extension of this concept, combining the physical act of using the shoulder with the metaphorical notion of taking on responsibilities. The evolution of language reflects how we use our bodies as symbols for emotional and social concepts, leading to phrases like 'shouldering a burden' in contemporary discourse.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,306, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.