careers - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
careers Word Meanings
- a profession or occupation.
- an individual's course or progress through life.
- a person's working life, especially in a specific area.
careers Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
careers Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/kəˈrɪə/
US
/kəˈrɪr/
careers 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 does the word 'careers' mean?
A.A type of clothing
B.The things one does in their free time
C.Job paths individuals take throughout their life
D.Building structures
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct sentence that uses the word 'careers'.
A.She enjoys reading about different careers in her spare time.
B.The careers of the ocean are very deep and mysterious.
C.He cooked a wonderful careers for dinner last night.
D.They put on their best careers for the photoshoot.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'careers'?
A.Jobs
B.Meals
C.Hobbies
D.Excursions
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'careers'?
A.Leisure
B.Overtime
C.Ambition
D.Experience
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where the word 'careers' could be used?
A.Finding the right educational path can help people choose their future careers.
B.People often volunteer to help in their communities.
C.Many people enjoy cooking as a hobby.
D.Traveling provides a break from daily life.
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