Tedium Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ด
tedium
[หtiห.di.ษm ]
Definition
feeling of boredom
Tedium is the state of being extremely bored or uninterested in something. It is characterized by a lack of excitement or stimulation, leading to a feeling of monotony and lethargy. Tedium can arise from repetitive tasks, uninteresting activities, or a lack of mental engagement.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| tedium |
Tedium describes a state of being tedious or repetitive, often focusing on the dullness and length of an activity.
|
| boredom |
Boredom refers to the feeling of being bored or uninterested, often because there is nothing engaging to do.
|
| monotony |
Monotony refers to a lack of variety and interest; something that is repetitive and unchanging.
|
| ennui |
Ennui is a sophisticated term that conveys a deep and existential sense of boredom, often resulting from a lack of excitement or purpose in life.
|
Examples of usage
- I couldn't shake off the tedium of the long, dull meeting.
- She felt the tedium of doing the same job every day.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Psychology
- Experiencing tedium can lead to decreased motivation as people often lose interest in repetitive tasks.
- Psychological studies show that tasks perceived as tedious increase stress levels in individuals.
- A lack of variety in activities can trigger feelings of tedium, showing the importance of change for mental well-being.
Literature
- Many authors use tedium to reflect characters' feelings, often enhancing the story's emotional depth.
- Classic novels often depict mundane life to explore deeper human experiences, showcasing tedium's role in literature.
- The theme of boredom is central in works by existentialist writers who highlight the absurdity of mundane existence.
Pop Culture
- Tedious moments in TV shows often serve as comic relief, highlighting character quirks.
- 'Groundhog Day' humorously illustrates tedium as the main character relives the same day repeatedly.
- Songs often touch on themes of boredom, reflecting the universal struggle against mundane routines.
Science
- Research has shown that engaging with monotonous tasks can lead to a drop in cognitive performance.
- Studies in neuroscience indicate that persistent tedium affects the brainโs reward system, diminishing dopamine levels.
- Chronic exposure to tedious environments can also impact overall mental health and life satisfaction.
Origin of 'tedium'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'tedium' comes from the Latin 'taedium', which means disgust or weariness.
- First recorded use in English was in the 15th century, showing a long history of boredom!
- The Latin root reflects a feeling of tiredness, fitting well with the meaning of the word.
The word 'tedium' originated from the Latin word 'taedium', meaning weariness or disgust. It has been used in English since the late 18th century to describe the state of being bored or uninterested. The concept of tedium has been explored in various works of literature and philosophy, reflecting its universal nature as a feeling experienced by people across different cultures and time periods.
See also: tedious, tediously, tediousness.