Tedious Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ฉ
tedious
[หtiห.di.ษs ]
Definitions
work
Too long, slow, or dull; tiresome or monotonous.
Synonyms
boring, dull, monotonous, tiresome.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tedious |
Use this when describing tasks or activities that take a long time and are very repetitive, making them mentally exhausting.
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| boring |
Use this word for something that lacks excitement or interest, and makes you feel unengaged.
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| dull |
Use this for experiences or objects that are not stimulating, exciting or sharp. Often refers to a lack of brightness or liveliness.
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| monotonous |
Use this to describe activities or sounds that are unvarying and repetitive, often evoking a sense of boredom.
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| tiresome |
Use this for tasks or activities that wear you out due to their repetitive or uninteresting nature.
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Examples of usage
- It was a tedious task to fill out all the paperwork.
- The meeting felt tedious as it dragged on for hours.
- The repetition of the same tasks became tedious after a while.
task
Causing weariness, restlessness, or lack of interest.
Synonyms
exhausting, fatiguing, irksome, wearying.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tedious |
Use when describing something that is long, monotonous, and boring, such as a repetitive task or a lengthy process that lacks excitement.
|
| wearying |
Use when describing something that induces a feeling of tiredness, often due to monotony or strain.
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| irksome |
Use when describing something that is annoying or bothersome, causing irritation over time.
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| fatiguing |
Use when something causes tiredness or weariness, usually due to a continuous exertion or prolonged activity.
|
| exhausting |
Use when describing something that drains one's energy or makes a person feel extremely tired due to physical or mental effort.
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Examples of usage
- The tedious nature of the project made it difficult to stay focused.
- She found the tedious job draining her energy day after day.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Research suggests that performing tedious tasks can reduce motivation and increase feelings of frustration.
- Boredom, often associated with tediousness, can lead to a search for new experiences, even potentially risky ones.
- Engaging in mindless tasks can actually help some people find clarity, as they give the mind room to wander creatively.
Pop Culture
- Many movies and shows portray characters who have to endure tedious jobs, often becoming sources of humor.
- The famous phrase 'Weโre not amused' by Queen Victoria reflects the disdain for tedious situations in royal courts.
- Realities of office life, such as endless meetings or paperwork, have become themes in sitcoms like 'The Office,' highlighting modern tedium.
Literature
- Classic literature often depicts characters facing tedious tasks as a metaphor for their inner struggles.
- In 'Moby Dick', Captain Ahab's obsessive hunt for the whale becomes a tedious journey filled with existential dread.
- In contemporary works, writers use tedious scenarios to enhance realism, reflecting the monotony of everyday life.
Education
- Some educators acknowledge that tedious routines in learning can hinder student engagement and creativity.
- Constructive feedback from students about tedious assignments has led to more interactive teaching methods.
- Incorporating fun elements into otherwise tedious subjects, like math games, can improve learning outcomes.
Origin of 'tedious'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'taediosus,' meaning 'causing weariness or irritation.'
- In the early Middle Ages, the word evolved into Old French as 'tedieux,' which still carried that sense of boredom.
- It has been in the English language since the late 14th century, reflecting a long history of human frustration with dull tasks.
The word 'tedious' originated from the Latin word 'taediosus', meaning 'irksome' or 'wearisome'. It entered the English language in the late 15th century. Over time, its usage expanded to describe anything that is long, slow, or dull. The concept of tedium has been a common experience throughout history, as people have always had to deal with tasks or situations that are tiresome or monotonous.
See also: tediously, tediousness, tedium.