toilsome - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
toilsome Word Meanings
- involving hard and continuous work
- demanding a lot of effort
- arduous and laborious
toilsome Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
toilsome Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈtɔɪlsəm/
US
/ˈtɔɪlsəm/
toilsome Word Etymology
(toil + some) 'characterized by toil'. From Middle English 'toilsome', from Old French 'toilsome', from Latin 'tollere' (to lift, remove). Imagine a farmer struggling against the sun's blazing heat, dragging heavy loads, embodying the essence of hard work.
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
Toilsome is an adjective used to describe tasks, days, or efforts that require heavy, continuous labor and testing endurance. It carries a slightly formal or literary tone, more common in writing than everyday speech. A toilsome journey might wear you down with sun, dust, and backbreaking repetition, while a toilsome project consumes many hours of careful, stubborn work. The word highlights the perseverance and grit involved, rather than sudden bursts of energy. Its synonyms include arduous, laborious, and grueling, but toilsome emphasizes ongoing strain rather than one sharp obstacle. The origin links to toil itself, evoking the image of a farmer struggling under the heat. Use it to convey sustained effort over time.
Usage Reminders
- Use toilsome for long-lasting, effortful work
- Prefer in formal or literary contexts
- Pair with nouns like journey, task, work, week
- Don't use for quick or easy tasks
- Consider synonyms (arduous, laborious) to choose the right nuance
Common Misconceptions
- Toilsome = always difficult people
- It only refers to physical labor
- Arduous and toilsome are always interchangeable
- Toilsome means enjoyable or easy
- It describes a single obstacle, not ongoing effort
Thinking Differences
In English, toilsome signals long, steady effort more than a single hurdle; learners often overuse it with easy tasks or confuse it with tiring but short tasks.
Learning Tips
- Link to toil as a root for intuition
- Pair with long nouns (week, journey)
- Prefer in formal writing
- Contrast with tiring for everyday use
- Practice with synonyms jotted beside
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of 'toilsome'?
A.Involving hard and continuous effort
B.Easy and effortless
C.Quick and simple
D.Exciting and fun
Step 2: Usage
Choose the correct usage of 'toilsome' in a sentence.
A.The toilsome process of putting together the puzzle was enjoyable.
B.After a toilsome day of work, she relaxed with a book.
C.He found the toilsome trip to the grocery store quite refreshing.
D.Her toilsome attitude made everyone happy.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'toilsome'?
A.Relaxing
B.Effortful
C.Brief
D.Pleasant
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'toilsome'?
A.Challenging
B.Simple
C.Laborious
D.Difficult
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where something is toilsome?
A.Climbing a steep mountain requires significant effort and planning.
B.Completing a marathon is a great way to spend a Saturday afternoon.
C.Running errands around town is always a breeze.
D.We finished our homework in no time.
Related Listening
🌱 Lite (Beginner)
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