Work
/wɜːrk/
Definitions
3 meaningsActivity involving mental or physical effort done in order to achieve a purpose or result.
/wɜːrk/
She put in a lot of work to finish her project on time.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're building a Lego castle. The building, brick by brick, is your work! It's what you do to get something done, whether it's a job, a project, or a chore.
👶 For kids: When you do something to try hard, that's called work.
More Examples
The artist's work was displayed at the gallery.
We need to review the team's work and provide feedback.
How It's Used
"He is going to work."
"The quality of his work is excellent."
To exert oneself by doing something; to be employed or have a job; to function or operate as intended.
/wɜːrk/
To exert oneself by doing something.
I work at a law firm.
💡 Simply: Imagine you are a puzzle piece in the world. Your 'work' is like fitting into the right place in a bigger picture or in the job. It's how you contribute, whether physically, mentally, or emotionally.
👶 For kids: When you do something that takes effort, it's called work.
More Examples
The machine is working again after the repair.
We need to work together as a team to complete this task.
The plan didn't work as expected.
How It's Used
"She works hard to achieve her goals."
"He works at a bank."
To cause something to function or operate.
/wɜːrk/
The new machine works faster.
💡 Simply: If you put batteries in a toy car, and it starts moving, then the car is 'working'! It's like making something perform its job.
👶 For kids: To make something run like it should.
More Examples
I can't get the remote control to work.
Does this mechanism still work?
I need to make the code work.
How It's Used
"How does the new engine work?"
"The software isn't working properly."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
work in progress
Something that is not yet complete and is still being developed.
"The painting is a work in progress, and the artist will continue to add details."
work like a charm
To be very effective; to function perfectly.
"I tried the new recipe, and it worked like a charm."
work one's fingers to the bone
To work extremely hard.
"She worked her fingers to the bone to provide for her family."
From Old English *weorc*, *werc* 'deed, action, business'. Related to Proto-Germanic *werką.
The word 'work' has been used since Old English times to describe both a physical activity and the result of that activity.
Memory tip
Think of the 'work' you do to 'earn' your bread, which is your occupation.
Word Origin
"deed, action, business"