Sluggard Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sluggard
[หslสษกษrd ]
Definitions
lazy person
A sluggard is a person who is habitually inactive or lazy. Sluggards tend to avoid work or any form of physical exertion.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sluggard |
This word is often used in a formal or literary context to describe someone who is habitually lazy and slow. It carries a slightly negative connotation.
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| idler |
Idler is typically used to describe someone who avoids work and prefers to remain inactive. It is slightly formal and has a mildly negative tone.
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| loafer |
Loafer is used to describe someone who spends their time idly, often avoiding work. This word can have a slightly old-fashioned feel and carries a negative connotation.
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| lazybones |
This is a more casual and informal term and is often used in a light-hearted or teasing manner with friends or family. It can sound playful rather than harsh.
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Examples of usage
- He was known around the office as the resident sluggard.
- The sluggard spent the entire weekend lounging on the couch.
Biblical reference
In the Bible, a sluggard is often associated with the sin of sloth or laziness. The book of Proverbs contains several warnings against being a sluggard.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sluggard |
Use this word to describe someone who is habitually lazy and slow, often in a somewhat harsh or judgmental manner.
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| slothful |
This word implies not just laziness, but a moral failing, often carrying a more negative or critical connotation.
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| indolent |
This term refers to a deliberate avoidance of activity or effort, often having a slightly formal or medical connotation.
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| inactive |
This word is appropriate for describing someone or something that is currently not active, without necessarily implying laziness or negative traits.
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Examples of usage
- The Bible cautions against the ways of the sluggard.
- He quoted a verse about the sluggard from the book of Proverbs.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- In literature, sluggards are often portrayed as comic characters, embodying laziness and often serving as a lesson on hard work.
- The book of Proverbs in the Bible famously refers to a sluggard, contrasting their habits with those who work diligently.
Psychology
- Laziness is often linked to procrastination, where individuals postpone activities they find unpleasant, leading to habits associated with being a sluggard.
- Cognitive dissonance plays a role, as laziness can lead to feelings of guilt or dissatisfaction, demonstrating the mental struggles of sluggards.
Culture
- In some cultures, being a sluggard may be frowned upon, while others may emphasize relaxation and leisure as a necessary part of life.
- Various idioms and sayings around the world highlight the cultural disdain for laziness, often equating it with missed opportunities.
History
- In ancient times, communities depended on every member for survival, making laziness a serious issue that could affect the entire group's well-being.
- Sociologists have studied labor patterns throughout history, highlighting that periods of economic hardship often reveal the consequences of sluggard behavior within societies.
Origin of 'sluggard'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'sluggard' comes from the Middle English word 'slugard,' which is a combination of 'slug' and the suffix '-ard,' indicating a person characterized by a trait.
- Originally, the term was used in the 15th century to describe someone who acted sluggishly, akin to a sloth in movement.
The word 'sluggard' has roots in Middle English and Old English, where it originally referred to a lazy or indolent person. Over time, the term has retained its negative connotation and is commonly used to describe someone who is slothful or inactive.