laborious - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
laborious Word Meanings
- requiring considerable effort and time
- involving hard work
- arduous and strenuous
laborious Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
laborious Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ləˈbɔːrɪəs/
US
/ləˈbɔːriəs/
laborious Word Etymology
From Latin 'laboriosus' = 'labor' (work) + 'ious' (full of). The historical origin is Latin → Old French → English. Imagine a person toiling away in a vast field, sweat pouring down, embodying the effort described by 'laborious'.
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 InputReal Context
Laborious is used to describe tasks that demand sustained effort, patience, and time. It often implies slow, careful work rather than clever shortcuts. A laborious project might involve meticulous planning, repetitive steps, or hard physical exertion, leaving the worker exhausted but satisfied with the result. In everyday use, you might say that a long report, a mountain hike, or rebuilding a fence was laborious, especially when progress was slow or obstacles kept appearing. The word carries a sense of endurance and dedication, and it is frequently contrasted with quick, easy, or effortless tasks. Remember, laborious emphasizes the effort, not just difficulty.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: 1) emphasize effort and time, not just difficulty. 2) pair with nouns like task, project, or process. 3) contrast with quick, easy, or effortless. 4) not all hard tasks are laborious; context matters. 5) avoid overusing in casual speech. 6) check co-occurring adjectives like 'long' or 'arduous' for nuance.
Common Misconceptions
- Assumes laborious only describes physical labor
- Confuses with 'difficult' as a general synonym
- Thinks it always implies negative feelings or boredom
- Believes any long task is automatically laborious
- Overuses the word for any tedious or slow task
Thinking Differences
For English learners, laborious focuses on the effort and time required, not just how hard something is. It often implies a slow, methodical process. People sometimes confuse it with difficult or arduous and misuse it for quick tasks; remember it highlights sustained work over time.
Learning Tips
- Pair laborious with nouns like task, project, or process
- Compare with arduous for formal contexts
- Notice collocations such as 'laborious process' or 'laborious task'
- Use in past or present perfect to emphasize duration
- Avoid overusing in casual speech; save for notably slow work
- Practice with synonyms like strenuous, tedious, or painstaking
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'laborious'?
A.Difficult
B.Lazy
C.Quick
D.Beautiful
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'laborious' used correctly?
A.The song was sung beautifully.
B.He completed the task effortlessly.
C.She quickly finished her homework.
D.The painting was a laborious process.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'laborious'?
A.Arduous
B.Sluggish
C.Simple
D.Easy
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is an antonym of 'laborious'?
A.Complicated
B.Effortless
C.Challenging
D.Tedious
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life situation would you describe a task as 'laborious'?
A.Playing video games
B.Studying for a difficult exam
C.Completing a jigsaw puzzle
D.Taking a leisurely walk
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