Reading Theme:
Effort: Definition, Usage & Key Distinctions (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：dedicated work (effort)
effort
/ˈefət/
n.
the energy you use to do something that needs hard work or concentration.
dedicated work
➕
/ˈdedɪkeɪtɪd wɜːk/
n.
The physical or mental energy and focus dedicated to accomplishing a task, especially one that is challenging.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Derived from the Old French 'effort', which originates from the Latin 'exfortis', meaning 'strong' (ex- 'out' + fortis 'strong'). The core idea is 'to put forth one's strength'.
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'e-f-fort' as building an 'Electronic Fortress'. Building a strong fortress (or achieving any goal) requires significant EFFORT.
📖 Example
Putting in consistent effort every night helped Maria finally understand the difficult math concept.
The act of dedicating focused work nightly enabled Maria to grasp the complex mathematical idea.
🔗 Collocations
make an effort – to try hard to do something
put effort into – to invest energy and work into a task
with great effort – using a lot of energy and determination
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
effortless (adj.) – requiring no apparent effort; easy.
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'effort' entered English in the late 15th century via French, carrying the Latin sense of 'putting forth strength'. While no single famous myth surrounds it, the concept is central to modern professional and athletic culture. For instance, in business and project management, the phrase 'team effort' is a standard, positive term to acknowledge collective contribution towards a goal, highlighting collaboration over individual achievement.
Meaning 2：collective achievement (effort)
effort
/ˈefət/
n.
the result of your hard work; an achievement, especially one that took skill and determination.
collective achievement
➕
/kəˈlektɪv əˈʧiːvmənt/
n.
Something accomplished through hard work and determination; the tangible or intangible result of dedicated labor, often by a group.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The beautiful mural on the school wall is a real team effort by the art club.
The attractive painting on the school's exterior wall represents a genuine achievement accomplished through the collaborative work of the art club.
🔗 Collocations
a joint effort – something achieved by two or more parties working together
a combined effort – the pooled work of several people leading to a result
🔄 Synonyms
achievement (n.) – a thing done successfully, typically by effort, courage, or skill.
accomplishment (n.) – something that has been achieved successfully.
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
effortful (adj.) – requiring or showing effort.
Wordbook
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