work
work
Pronunciation
IPA Phonetic Spelling: /wɜrk/
Syllable Breakdown:
wɜr: /wɜr/
/w/ - Voiceless bilabial approximant
/ɜ/ - Open-mid central unrounded vowel
k: /k/
/k/ - Voiceless velar stop
Word Form Variations
Singular: work
Plural: works
Verb: work (present tense), worked (past tense), worked (past participle), working (present participle)
Noun: work (singular), works (plural)
Adjective: work (used to describe something related to work)
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Definitions, Synonyms, Antonyms
(Noun)
Definition: A physical or mental activity that is done to achieve a purpose or result.
Synonyms: labor, toil, task, job, occupation
Antonyms: rest, leisure, idleness
Work (Verb)
Definition: To perform physical or mental activity, especially in order to earn a living.
Synonyms: labor, toil, strive, exert oneself
Antonyms: rest, relax, loaf
Work (Adjective)
Definition: Related to or involved in work.
Synonyms: occupational, professional, vocational
Antonyms: leisure, recreational, non-working
Work (Adverb)
Definition: In a manner that is related to or involved in work.
Synonyms: industriously, diligently, laboriously
Antonyms: lazily, idly, leisurely
Examples of Use
(Noun)
In a book: "The work of rebuilding the city after the disaster was immense." (From "The City of Dreams" by Sarah J. Maas)
In a newspaper: "The construction workers are doing a great job on the new bridge. Their work is progressing rapidly." (From The New York Times)
In an online publication: "The artist's latest work is a stunning piece of abstract art." (From Artnet)
In a movie: "I'm so tired of all this work. I just want to relax." (From "The Devil Wears Prada")
In a song: "We all have our own work to do." (From "Work" by Rihanna)
In general public discourse: "I'm so busy with work this week. I barely have time for anything else."
Work (Verb)
In a book: "The farmer worked the land from dawn until dusk." (From "The Grapes of Wrath" by John Steinbeck)
In a newspaper: "The company is working hard to meet its production goals." (From The Wall Street Journal)
In an online publication: "The scientists are working on a new vaccine to combat the virus." (From Science Daily)
In a movie: "I'm working on a new project at the moment." (From "The Social Network")
In a song: "We gotta work, work, work, work, work, work, work, work" (From "Work" by Rihanna)
In general public discourse: "I'm working on a new recipe for dinner tonight."
Work (Adjective)
In a book: "The work environment at the company is very positive." (From "The Lean Startup" by Eric Ries)
In a newspaper: "The work ethic of the employees is impressive." (From The Washington Post)
In an online publication: "The work-life balance is important for everyone." (From Forbes)
In a movie: "I'm looking for a work-from-home job." (From "Nomadland")
In a song: "Work, work, work, work, work, work, work, work" (From "Work" by Rihanna)
In general public discourse: "I need to find a new work outfit."
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10 Famous Quotes Using the term Work
"The only place success comes before work is in the dictionary." (Unknown)
"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard." (Tim Notke)
"The best preparation for good work tomorrow is to do good work today." (Alexander Graham Bell)
"Work is love made visible." (Kahlil Gibran)
"The end of labor is to gain leisure." (Aristotle)
"I put my heart and my soul into my work, and have lost my mind in the process." (Vincent van Gogh)
"The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched - they must be felt with the heart." (Helen Keller)
"Nothing will work unless you do." (Maya Angelou)
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall." (Nelson Mandela)
"Work is love made visible." (Kahlil Gibran)
Etymology
Work is a very old word that has been around for centuries. Its roots can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European language, which is a very ancient language spoken thousands of years ago.
From this ancient language, the word "werg-o" developed, meaning "to do, to work." This word then made its way into Old English as "wyrcan," which had a similar meaning. Over time, the word evolved into the modern English "work."
The first known use of "work" in English was in the 9th century. At that time, it meant "to perform a task, to labor." The meaning of the word has remained similar ever since, although it has expanded to include a wider range of activities.
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Phrases + Idioms Containing the term Work
Common Phrases:
Hard work: Diligent effort
At work: Engaged in a job or task
Out of work: Unemployed
Work in progress: Something that is not yet completed
Work from home: Working remotely
Idioms:
Put in the work: To make a significant effort
Work around the clock: To work continuously
Work one's fingers to the bone: To work very hard
Work magic: To achieve something remarkable
Work up a sweat: To become physically tired
Lesser-known or Original Phrases:
Work the room: To socialize and network with people at an event
Work one's way up: To advance in a career through hard work and dedication
Work on one's game: To improve one's skills or abilities
Work a crowd: To entertain or engage a group of people
Work the angle: To devise a strategy or approach to achieve a goal
Idioms with Synonyms:
Put in the hours: To work for a long time
Slave away: To work very hard
Burn the midnight oil: To work late into the night
Sweat blood: To work extremely hard
Bust one's chops: To work very hard
Posts Related to Work
Source Information
Definition of work from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
