Work Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐ผ
work
[wษหrk ]
Definitions
place of employment
A place where one goes to earn money by performing tasks or duties. It can be an office, a factory, a store, or any other location where work is done.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| work |
General term referring to tasks or activities you do regularly to achieve a goal. Can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
|
| job |
A specific role or position in which someone is employed. Commonly used in both casual and professional settings.
|
| employment |
Refers to the state of having a paid job. It's used in formal contexts like legal, economic, or business discussions.
|
| occupation |
A formal term for the kind of work someone does, usually in the context of official documents or professional descriptions.
|
Examples of usage
- I have to go to work at 9 AM tomorrow.
- She works in a hospital as a nurse.
- He enjoys his work as a chef in a restaurant.
activity
Physical or mental effort directed towards a specific purpose or result. It can involve tasks, projects, or responsibilities.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| work |
General term that refers to any activity requiring mental or physical effort to achieve a result. Commonly used to describe employment or projects.
|
| effort |
Emphasizes the amount of physical or mental energy put into an activity. Often used to highlight the difficulty or exertion required.
|
| labor |
Focuses on the physical or manual aspects of work, frequently associated with laborious or demanding tasks. Can have a negative connotation of hard, strenuous work.
|
| task |
Refers to specific pieces of work, often smaller parts of a larger project. Implies a defined piece of work to be completed.
|
Examples of usage
- Hard work is the key to success.
- She put in a lot of work to complete the project on time.
- He is known for his dedication and hard work.
performing tasks
To perform tasks or duties for a specific purpose. It can involve physical or mental effort directed towards achieving a goal.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| work |
This is a general term used to describe any kind of effort or activity undertaken to achieve a result, often in a professional context.
|
| perform |
This term is used to describe the act of completing a task or action, often implying a level of skill or proficiency. It may be used in both general and specific contexts, including arts and formal settings.
|
| execute |
This term is used to describe performing a task with precision and adherence to a plan, often in formal or technical contexts. It can sometimes have a formal or rigid connotation.
|
| carry out |
This term is often used to describe the act of completing a task, project, or order, especially in a more formal or official context.
|
Examples of usage
- She works as a teacher in a local school.
- He is working on a new project for his company.
- They worked together to solve the problem.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Cultural Significance
- Different cultures have varying views on work, with some emphasizing it as a pathway to personal fulfillment, while others focus on work-life balance.
- The concept of a 'work ethic' plays a crucial role in many societies, highlighting the importance of diligence and perseverance.
- In Japan, the phenomenon of 'karoshi' refers to death caused by overwork, highlighting the extreme societal pressures in some cultures.
Science
- In physics, 'work' is defined as a force applied over a distance, showing that the term spans beyond just jobs and into the realm of energy and movement.
- The effort required for work can vary greatly depending on the mediumโmental tasks can be just as exhausting as physical labor.
- Research in psychology shows that meaningful work can lead to increased happiness and life satisfaction.
History
- In ancient civilizations, labor was often divided along gender lines, influencing the development of various professions and roles.
- The Industrial Revolution transformed the concept of work, shifting from agrarian tasks to factory-based jobs, changing lives forever.
- Labor movements in the 19th and 20th centuries fought for workers' rights, leading to regulations we see today, such as the 40-hour work week.
Pop Culture
- Movies and music often center around the struggles and triumphs of working-class characters, highlighting social issues and personal journeys.
- The term 'work hard, play hard' became popular in the early 2000s, reflecting a cultural shift towards balancing dedication in the workplace with personal enjoyment.
- Many popular TV shows, like 'The Office', dramatize the dynamics of everyday work life, blending humor with relatable experiences.
Origin of 'work'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'work' comes from the Old English 'wyrcan,' which means 'to do or make.'
- In Latin, the word 'opus' means 'work,' and it's also where we get terms like 'operation' and 'opus' in music.
- The transition to modern usage started around the 14th century, emphasizing both physical and mental efforts.
The word 'work' originated from the Old English word 'weorc', which meant 'something done, a product of labor'. It has evolved over time to encompass various meanings related to tasks, employment, and effort. The concept of work is essential in human society as it is the basis for economic activity, personal development, and societal progress.
See also: coworker, coworkers, hardworking, overwork, rework, reworking, unworkability, unworkable, workability, workable, workableness, workaholic, workaround, workbench, worker, workers, workforce, working, worklessness, workload, workmanship, workmates, workmen, workout, workplace, works, workshop, workstation, worktable, worktop, workwear, workweek.