career - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
career Word Meanings
- a profession or occupation.
- an individual's course or progress through life.
- a person's working life, especially in a specific area.
career Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
career Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/kəˈrɪə/
US
/kəˈrɪr/
career Word Etymology
The word 'career' comes from the Latin 'carraria', which means 'road' (from 'carrus' meaning 'cart'). It evolved through Old French before entering English. Imagine walking down a winding road representing the journey of one's professional life and the paths taken along the way.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputEnglish Brain Route
I push open the day, tie my shoes, and shift my focus from today’s chores to a longer path. I set small tasks in a row and keep moving, watching how each choice changes the day toward a chosen field. The effort to adjust when things wobble makes the work feel like a rhythm I can control. By the afternoon, the pace I choose turns my scattered hours into a story of a working life—my career.
Real Context
Career refers to a person's chosen profession or occupation, and to the arc of a person's working life, from education and training to retirement. It can describe a single job or a sequence of roles within a field, and it often reflects a person’s goals, skills, and opportunities. People talk about career development, career planning, and career changes as they move through different positions, companies, and industries. While a job is a specific position you hold today, a career emphasizes long-term growth, specialization, and the life you build through work over years or decades.
Usage Reminders
- 1. Think of career as a long-term path, not just today's job.
- 2. Use 'career path' and 'career development' to describe steps.
- 3. Distinguish between 'career' and 'job' in sentences.
- 4. Mention goals, skills, and milestones when talking about progress.
- 5. Talk about transitions as career moves, not failures.
Common Misconceptions
- A career is just waiting for a big salary.
- Career = one job, forever.
- Career planning is only for adults or those about to graduate.
- Changing fields means starting from scratch.
- If you love your current job, you have no career problems.
Thinking Differences
English speakers typically treat 'career' as a long-term arc beyond any single job, and they often pair it with phrases like 'career path' or 'career development.' Learners tend to overuse 'career' as if it meant just one job, or they confuse 'career' with 'job' in every context.
Learning Tips
- Read career-related phrases aloud to build fluency
- Compare ‘career’ with ‘job’ in both everyday and formal contexts
- Use short, concrete examples of progression
- Practice talking about goals and milestones
- Look for collocations like 'career path' and 'career development'
- Map your own career timeline to visualize growth
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'career'?
A.Temporary
B.Amateur
C.Hobby
D.Profession
Step 2: Usage
How is the word 'career' used in a sentence?
A.She decided to pursue a career in medicine.
B.He is too lazy to have a career.
C.I only see it as a temporary career.
D.They are amateurs in their career.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is similar to 'career'?
A.Leisure
B.Adventure
C.Occupation
D.Lazy
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is the opposite of 'career'?
A.Hobby
B.Professional
C.Temporary
D.Serious
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life context where the word 'career' would be used?
A.A doctor pursuing a successful medical career.
B.An artist painting as a hobby.
C.A student on summer vacation.
D.A person being lazy all day.
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