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labor

Intermediate (B1)

IPA: //ˈleɪbər//

KK: /ˈleɪbər/

adjective
Definition

Connected to work or the efforts of workers, especially in a political context.


Example

The labor policies of the government aim to improve working conditions for all employees.


Conversation
Sloth A
Did you hear about the new labor laws they just passed?
Sloth B
Yeah, I think they could really help workers' rights.
Sloth A
I hope so! It seems like the labor movement is gaining more momentum these days.
Sloth B
Absolutely! It's great to see more support for the working class.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
worker
union
proletarian
Antonyms
management
capitalist
employer
intransitive verb
Definition

To work hard or make a great effort, often with difficulty or struggle.


Example

She labored for hours to finish the project on time.


Tense Forms

Past: labored

Past Participle: labored


Conversation
Sloth A
I had such a long day at work; I really had to labor through those tasks.
Sloth B
That sounds exhausting! What were you working on?
Sloth A
Just some reports that felt never-ending; I felt like I was just laboring away.
noun
Definition

The effort or work done by people, especially when it is hard or tiring. It can also refer to the process of giving birth.


Example

The construction project required a lot of labor to complete.


Conversation
Sloth A
I heard that childbirth can be really intense due to the labor.
Sloth B
Yeah, I've read that it's a lot of work both physically and mentally.
Sloth A
It must be exhausting to go through that kind of labor for so many hours.
Sloth B
transitive verb
Definition

To work hard on something or to put in a lot of effort, often in a detailed or burdensome way.


Example

She had to labor over her project to meet the deadline.


Tense Forms

Past: labored

Past Participle: labored


Conversation
Sloth A
I really don't want to labor over the details of this project.
Sloth B
I get that; sometimes it’s better to keep it simple.
Sloth A
Exactly, but I feel like I have to explain everything thoroughly.
Sloth B
Root Explanation

Labor → It originates from Latin 'labor' (meaning work or toil). The word 'labor' refers to the act of working or the effort put into a task.

Memory Tip

Think of the Latin word 'labor' meaning work — this helps you remember that 'labor' refers to the act of working.

Visually Confused Words
belabor
tabor
labra
arbor
abort
abord
abhor
Is this page helpful?
Sloth B
I totally get that. Sometimes it feels like a workout just to get through the day!

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
strive
toil
work
Antonyms
rest
idle
relax
Definitely, but I think the end result makes it all worth it.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
work
effort
toil
Antonyms
leisure
idleness
rest
Yeah, just focus on the main points and don't stress too much.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
belabor
burden
exert
Antonyms
relieve
ease
simplify