Reading Theme:
Work: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes Explained (3 meaning)
Meaning 1：engage in labor (work)
work
/wɜːrk/
v., n.
To spend time and effort doing an activity, usually to earn money, achieve a goal, or make something function.
engage in labor
➕
/ɪnˈɡeɪdʒ ɪn ˈleɪbər/
v., n.
To perform tasks or duties that require physical or mental effort, often to achieve a specific result.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Root Explanation
From Old English 'weorc', related to Greek 'ergon' (work).
💡 Mnemonic
Imagine a busy ant colony — every ant works to build and sustain the community.
📖 Example
She has to work very hard this month to finish her research paper before the deadline.
She has to work very hard this month to finish her research paper before the deadline.
🔗 Collocations
work on – to spend time dealing with something
work hard – to put a lot of effort into something
work towards – to make efforts to achieve a specific goal
🔄 Synonyms
🚫 Antonyms
🌱 Derivatives
worker (n.) – a person who works
workable (adj.) – capable of being done or put into practice
workaholic (n.) – a person who works excessively hard
📖 Cultural Story
Work originates from Proto-Indo-European *werg-, meaning 'to do'. It is one of the most common verbs in English, used in countless idioms and phrases.
Meaning 2：employment or tasks (work)
work
/wɜːrk/
v., n.
The activity that you do regularly to earn money, your job; or tasks and activities that need to be done.
employment or tasks
➕
/ɪmˈplɔɪmənt ɔːr tæsks/
v., n.
The activity you do regularly to earn money, or the tasks and duties that need to be done.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
Finding meaningful work that you enjoy is an important part of a happy life.
Finding meaningful work that you enjoy is an important part of a happy life.
🔗 Collocations
find work – to obtain a job
go to work – to travel to your place of employment
work experience – the job-related skills and knowledge gained through employment
🔄 Synonyms
job (n.) – a paid position of regular employment
employment (n.) – the state of having paid work
labor (n.) – work, especially hard physical work
🚫 Antonyms
leisure (n.) – time free from work or duties
unemployment (n.) – the state of being without paid work
Meaning 3：artistic creation (work)
work
/wɜːrk/
v., n.
Something created or produced through effort, especially a book, painting, piece of music, or invention.
artistic creation
➕
/ɑːrˈtɪstɪk kriˈeɪʃən/
v., n.
Something created or produced through effort, especially a book, painting, piece of music, or invention.
📘 Details & Usage
📖 Example
The museum has a special exhibition featuring the early work of the famous painter.
The museum has a special exhibition featuring the early work of the famous painter.
🔗 Collocations
work of art – a creative piece, such as a painting or sculpture
literary work – a written piece, such as a novel or poem
collected works – a compilation of an author's writings
🔄 Synonyms
creation (n.) – something that has been made or invented
piece (n.) – an artistic or musical composition
composition (n.) – a written or musical work created by someone
🌱 Derivatives
artwork (n.) – a painting, drawing, or other piece of art
masterwork (n.) – a masterpiece; an outstanding piece of work
Wordbook
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