Reading Theme:
Tedious: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)
Meaning 1：very boring (tedious)
tedious
/ˈtiː.di.əs/
adj.
Something that is tedious is very boring and not interesting.
very boring
➕
/ˈveri ˈbɔːrɪŋ/
adj.
Describing something that lacks interest and causes boredom.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Latin 'taediosus' meaning wearisome, related to 'taedium' (weariness).
💡 Mnemonic
Tedious sounds like 'teddy' + 'us' – imagine a boring teddy that makes us sleepy.
📖 Example
His job involves tedious data entry for hours every day.
His daily work includes monotonous data entry tasks for extended periods.
🔗 Collocations
tedious task – a task that is boring and repetitive
tedious work – work that is dull and uninteresting
tedious process – a procedure that is long and monotonous
🔄 Synonyms
boring (adj.) – causing a lack of interest or excitement
dull (adj.) – lacking interest or excitement
monotonous (adj.) – unchanging and tedious in nature
🚫 Antonyms
interesting (adj.) – arousing curiosity or holding attention
exciting (adj.) – causing great enthusiasm and eagerness
engaging (adj.) – attracting and holding interest
🌱 Derivatives
tediously (adv.) – in a boring and repetitive manner
tediousness (n.) – the quality of being tedious
📖 Cultural Story
Originates from Latin 'taediosus' (wearisome), via Old French. In modern English, it often describes repetitive tasks like data entry or long lectures.
Meaning 2：long and repetitive (tedious)
tedious
/ˈtiː.di.əs/
adj.
A tedious task or process is very long, slow, and repetitive, which makes you feel tired and impatient.
long and repetitive
➕
/lɒŋ ənd ˌrepəˈtɪtɪv/
adj.
Referring to tasks or processes that are excessively lengthy, slow, and repetitive, causing tiredness and impatience.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The three-hour lecture on ancient tax laws was incredibly tedious.
A three-hour talk about old tax regulations was extremely boring and drawn-out.
🔗 Collocations
tedious procedure – a method that is slow and repetitive
tedious journey – a trip that is long and tiresome
tedious routine – a daily pattern that is monotonous
🔄 Synonyms
tiresome (adj.) – causing one to feel tired or bored
laborious (adj.) – requiring considerable effort and time
repetitive (adj.) – involving repeated actions or patterns
🚫 Antonyms
quick (adj.) – done with speed or promptness
varied (adj.) – having many different forms or types
stimulating (adj.) – encouraging interest or excitement
🌱 Derivatives
tediously (adv.) – in a boring and repetitive manner
tediousness (n.) – the quality of being tedious
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