Taxing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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taxing

[ˈtaksɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

work

Making heavy demands on someone's strength or resources

Synonyms

challenging, demanding, draining, exhausting.

Examples of usage

  • The long hours at work were taxing on his mental health
  • The difficult task was very taxing on her energy levels
Context #2 | Verb

finance

Impose a tax on (someone or something)

Synonyms

charge, impose, levy.

Examples of usage

  • The government decided to tax the wealthy individuals more
  • They plan to tax the imports to boost domestic production

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Tasks perceived to be taxing often trigger stress responses in the brain, activating areas responsible for decision-making.
  • Mental fatigue from taxing activities can affect judgment and productivity, illustrating how effort can deplete cognitive resources.
  • Research shows that prolonged taxing situations can lead to burnout, emphasizing the importance of finding balance.

Work and Economy

  • In a work environment, tasks that are particularly challenging or demanding are often described as taxing, affecting employee morale.
  • Tax policies can also be seen as taxing if they impose a heavy financial burden on individuals or businesses.
  • The balance between taxing work duties and personal life is crucial for maintaining overall well-being and efficiency.

Cultural References

  • In literature, a taxing quest often serves as a metaphor for personal growth or overcoming adversity, emphasizing resilience.
  • Movies and TV shows frequently depict characters facing taxing challenges, leading to comedic or dramatic narratives.
  • Cultural discussions around taxing often intersect with ideas of fairness and social responsibility, shaping public opinion.

Education

  • Educators describe overly difficult assignments as taxing, which can lead to student burnout and disengagement from learning.
  • Studies in education show that varied instructional strategies can help reduce the taxing nature of challenging material.
  • Group work can alleviate the taxing aspects of difficult tasks by providing social support and collaborative problem-solving.

Origin of 'taxing'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'taxing' comes from the early 17th century and originally referred to the imposition of a charge or burden.
  • It derives from the Latin 'taxare', which means to assess or evaluate, connecting to the idea of evaluating what is needed.
  • In early English, 'to tax' meant to accuse or blame, indicating a weight or pressure placed on someone.

The word 'taxing' originated from the Old French word 'taxer', which means 'to tax or assess'. The concept of taxation has been around for centuries, with evidence of early forms of taxation dating back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Mesopotamia. Taxes have played a crucial role in funding government activities and public services throughout history, albeit with varying degrees of acceptance and resistance from the population.


See also: overtax, tax, taxi, taxon, taxpayer, untaxed.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #9,298 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.