Reading Theme:
Overwork: Definition, Usage & Health Impacts (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：work excessively (overwork)
overwork
/ˌoʊvərˈwɜːrk/
v., n.
to work too hard or for too long, beyond what is reasonable or healthy.
work excessively
➕
/wɜːrk ɪkˈsesɪvli/
v., n.
To engage in labor or effort beyond a healthy or reasonable limit, often leading to fatigue or stress.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
Prefix 'over-' (excessively) + 'work' (to labor). Literally 'to work excessively'.
💡 Mnemonic
Picture someone working OVER their desk at WORK, buried under piles of paper, saying 'This is OVER my WORK limit!'
📖 Example
She decided to take a vacation because she had been overworking herself to meet the project deadline.
She opted for a break after pushing herself too hard to finish the project on time.
🔗 Collocations
overwork oneself – To cause oneself to work too hard.
tend to overwork – Have a habitual inclination to work excessively.
overwork employees – To require staff to work beyond reasonable limits.
🔄 Synonyms
overexert (v.) – To push oneself or others too hard physically or mentally.
overburden (v.) – To load with too much work or responsibility.
strain (v.) – To make a strenuous effort, taxing one's resources.
🚫 Antonyms
📖 Cultural Story
The word 'overwork' emerged in the 14th century, combining 'over-' (a Germanic prefix indicating excess) with 'work'. It reflects a long-standing societal concern about labor intensity, gaining prominence during the Industrial Revolution with debates on working hours and worker welfare.
Meaning 2：excessive work (overwork)
overwork
/ˌoʊvərˈwɜːrk/
v., n.
excessive work that causes tiredness or health issues.
excessive work
➕
/ɪkˈsesɪv wɜːrk/
v., n.
An excessive amount of labor or toil that results in tiredness, stress, or health problems.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Long-term overwork can lead to burnout and affect both physical and mental well-being.
Sustained excessive labor may result in exhaustion and harm one's physical and psychological health.
🔗 Collocations
chronic overwork – A persistent state of working excessively over a long period.
the effects of overwork – The negative consequences resulting from excessive labor.
avoid overwork – To take measures to prevent working too much.
🔄 Synonyms
overload (n.) – An excessive amount of work or burden.
overexertion (n.) – The act of exerting oneself too much.
🚫 Antonyms
adequate work (n.) – A sufficient and manageable amount of labor.
moderate workload (n.) – A reasonable and balanced amount of work.
Wordbook
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