Wastebasket Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐๏ธ
wastebasket
[หweษชstหbรฆskษชt ]
Definition
furniture, office
A wastebasket is a container used for holding waste materials or garbage. Typically found in offices, homes, and public places, it allows for the easy disposal of refuse. Wastebaskets can vary in size and design, often featuring a removable liner for easy cleaning. They are essential for maintaining cleanliness and organization in any space by providing a designated area for trash.
Synonyms
garbage can, refuse container, rubbish bin, trash bin.
Examples of usage
- Please throw your paper in the wastebasket.
- The office wastebasket was overflowing with documents.
- He placed the empty soda can in the wastebasket.
- I need to buy a new wastebasket for my room.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
History
- Trash receptacles have existed since ancient civilizations, where people often discarded waste in the streets.
- The modern design of wastebaskets became popular in urban areas during the 19th century, as cities recognized the importance of sanitation.
- In the early 20th century, decorative wastebaskets began to appear in homes and offices, reflecting changing attitudes toward waste management.
Cultural Significance
- In many workplaces, wastebaskets symbolize the importance of maintaining a clean environment for productivity.
- In art and literature, wastebaskets often serve as a metaphor for discarded ideas or failures, representing the creative process.
- Some cultural practices advocate against wasting resources, elevating the wastebasket to represent wastefulness.
Environmental Impact
- Misuse of wastebaskets can lead to pollution; hence, proper disposal is crucial in reducing environmental damage.
- Many cities launched recycling programs to convert traditional wastebaskets into recycling bins, promoting environmental awareness.
- Innovations in wastebasket designs now include features that encourage separation of recyclables from general waste.
Psychology
- The act of throwing away clutter can lead to positive feelings of relief and a sense of organization.
- Cluttered spaces, including overflowing wastebaskets, can contribute to stress and anxiety among individuals.
- Psychologists suggest that maintaining a tidy wastebasket may enhance focus and productivity by reducing distractions in a workspace.
Origin of 'wastebasket'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'wastebasket' combines 'waste', meaning something unwanted, and 'basket', referring to a woven container.
- The word 'basket' has roots in the Old French word 'basquette', which means a little basket.
- Originally, baskets were used for various purposes, including storage and transport, before specializing as waste containers.
The term 'wastebasket' originated in the late 19th century, combining 'waste' and 'basket' to describe a receptacle for discarded materials. The word 'waste' comes from the Old French 'wastรฉ', which means 'to waste, to squander', and traces back to the Latin 'vastare', meaning 'to lay waste, to devastate'. The usage of baskets for waste dates back even further, as baskets have long been practical tools for storage and transport. During the 20th century, especially with the rise of office culture, the wastebasket became a common sight in workspaces, symbolizing the effort to keep environments tidy and organized amidst increasing paper usage and urban living. Its design has evolved from simple woven containers to more modern plastic and metal varieties, reflecting changes in waste management practices and aesthetic preferences.