travail - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
travail Word Meanings
- hard work or labor
- a painful effort
- to labor or toil
travail Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
travail Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/trəˈveɪl/
US
/trəˈveɪl/
travail Word Etymology
From Latin 'tripalium' (a type of torture device), where 'tri-' means 'three' and 'pali' means 'stakes'. The term evolved into Old French 'travailler', meaning 'to toil'. Imagine someone in the past being tied to three stakes as a metaphor for hard labor, representing intense struggle and effort.
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
Travail in English usually means hard work or labor, often with a sense of exertion that is burdensome or painful. It can refer to strenuous physical effort or to demanding mental work. The term has an old-fashioned or literary tone and is not common in everyday use in modern English; we often say hard work, labor, toil, or strenuous effort instead. In context, travail describes the process or burden of achieving something through sustained effort rather than a single task. You might hear phrases such as the travail of a long move and the travail of building a career, emphasizing struggle and perseverance rather than mere activity. The etymology connects to Latin tripalium, a device associated with intense restraint and hardship.
Usage Reminders
- Travail is relatively formal; use it for emphasis or historical/literary tone.
- Don't assume it fits casual conversations; prefer hard work or labor in everyday speech.
- Be aware it carries a sense of sustained, sometimes painful effort, not just any work.
- Avoid overusing the word; reserve for contexts emphasizing difficulty or perseverance.
- Remember its etymology can help you remember the sense of struggle.
Common Misconceptions
- It only refers to physical labor, not mental effort
- It can be used interchangeably with hard work in all contexts
- It is common in everyday speech
- It describes a job or position rather than effort
- It has no historical or literary nuance
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker (meta, keep short)
Learning Tips
- Practice using travail only in contexts that feel formal or literary.
- Pair it with long-term tasks to emphasize sustained effort.
- Compare with hard work and toil to feel the nuance.
- Remember its etymology to recall the idea of struggle.
- Read literary passages where it appears to see natural usage.
- Avoid translating literally into casual speech.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'travail' used correctly?
A.I listened to music to avoid travail.
B.He enjoyed a relaxing travail by the beach.
C.The cat started to travail when it saw a mouse.
D.She decided to travail for hours to finish her project.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'travail'?
A.Relax
B.Ease
C.Rest
D.Labor
Step 4: Opposite Words
Which word is an antonym of 'travail'?
A.Recreation
B.Joy
C.Play
D.Pleasure
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context might someone experience 'travail'?
A.Taking a leisurely walk in the park
B.Working on a difficult project with tight deadlines
C.Watching a comedy show with friends
D.Sitting on the beach and enjoying the sun
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