Reading Theme:
Juggle: Definition, Usage & Common Phrases (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：balance multiple tasks (juggle)
juggle
/ˈdʒʌɡl/
v.
To try to do several different things at the same time, especially when it is difficult.
balance multiple tasks
➕
BAL-uhns MUL-tuh-puhl tasks
v.
To handle or try to manage several different activities, responsibilities, or commitments at the same time, often requiring skill and effort to keep everything under control.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Derived from Old French 'jogler', meaning 'to jest, play tricks, entertain as a jester'. This, in turn, comes from Latin 'ioculari', meaning 'to jest, joke', from 'ioculus', a diminutive of 'iocus' (joke).
💡 Mnemonic
Think of 'JUst Understand the Great Giant LEap' it takes to manage many things at once. The sound 'jug-' can also remind you of a 'jug' being handled skillfully among others, representing multitasking.
📖 Example
As a university student, she has to juggle her studies, a part-time job, and volleyball practice.
A person in this role must simultaneously manage their academic work, employment, and athletic training.
🔗 Collocations
juggle work and family – to try to manage the demands of one's job and home life at the same time
juggle multiple projects – to handle several different assignments or tasks concurrently
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
focus on (v.) – To concentrate attention or effort on a single task or subject.
🌱 Derivatives
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'juggle' entered English in the late 14th century via Old French, with the original sense of 'entertain by performing tricks'. Its modern meaning, 'to handle multiple tasks simultaneously', emerged much later by metaphorical extension from the physical skill of keeping several objects in the air. This metaphor is now a standard part of English, frequently used in workplace and lifestyle discussions to describe the challenge of balancing career, family, and personal commitments.
Meaning 2：perform juggling (juggle)
juggle
/ˈdʒʌɡl/
v.
To throw and catch several objects in the air at the same time, as a skill or performance.
perform juggling
➕
per-FAWRM JUHG-ling
v.
To continuously toss and catch a number of objects, such as balls, clubs, or rings, in the air, keeping one or more of them in motion at any time as a form of skill or entertainment.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
He learned to juggle three colorful balls to entertain his friends at the party.
He acquired the ability to keep three brightly colored spheres in motion through the air for amusement.
🔗 Collocations
juggle balls – to perform the skill of keeping balls in the air by throwing and catching them
learn to juggle – to acquire the skill of juggling
🔄 Synonyms
toss (v.) – To throw something lightly or casually, often related to one part of the juggling action.
Wordbook
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