Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense works, present participle working, past tense, past participle worked
1. verb
People who work have a job, usually one which they are paid to do.
He works for the U.S. Department of Transport. [VERB preposition/adverb]
I started working in a recording studio. [VERB preposition/adverb]
Where do you work? [VERB]
He worked as a bricklayer's mate. [VERB + as]
I want to work, I don't want to be on welfare. [VERB]
Synonyms: be employed, do business, have a job, earn a living More Synonyms of work
2. uncountable noun [oft in/out ofN]
People who have work or who are in work have a job, usually one which they are paid to do.
Fewer and fewer people are in work.
I was out of work at the time.
She'd have enough money to provide for her children until she could find work.
What kind of work do you do?
Synonyms: employment, calling, business, job More Synonyms of work
3. verb
When you work, you do the things that you are paid or required to do in your job.
I can't talk to you right now–I'm working. [VERB]
He was working at his desk. [VERB preposition/adverb]
Some firms expect the guards to work twelve hours a day. [VERB noun]
4. uncountable noun
Your work consists of the things you are paid or required to do in your job.
We're supposed to be running a business here. I've got work to do.
I used to take work home, but I don't do it any more.
There have been days when I have finished work at 2pm.
The film highlights the stressful and difficult aspects of the teacher's work.
Synonyms: task, jobs, projects, commissions More Synonyms of work
5. verb
When you work, you spend time and effort doing a task that needs to be done or trying to achievesomething.
Linda spends all her time working on the garden. [VERB preposition]
While I was working on my letter the telephone rang. [VERB preposition]
Leonard was working at his German. His mistakes made her laugh. [VERB preposition]
The most important reason for coming to university is to work for a degree. [VERB preposition]
The government expressed hope that all the sides will work towards a political solution. [VERB preposition]
Work is also a noun.
There was a lot of work to do on their house.
We hadn't appreciated how much work was involved in organizing a wedding.
He said that the peace plan would be rejected because it needed more work.
6. uncountable noun [usu to/atN]
Work is the place where you do your job.
Many people travel to work by car.
She told her friends at work that she was trying to lose weight.
7. uncountable noun
Work is something which you produce as a result of an activity or as a result of doingyour job.
It can help to have an impartial third party look over your work.
Tidiness in the workshop is really essential for producing good work.
That's a beautiful piece of work. You should be proud of it.
8. countable noun
A work is something such as a painting, book, or piece of music produced by an artist, writer, or composer.
In my opinion, this is Rembrandt's greatest work.
Under his arm, there was a book which looked like the complete works of Shakespeare.
The church has several valuable works of art.
Synonyms: creation, performance, piece, production More Synonyms of work
9. verb
If someone is working on a particular subject or question, they are studying or researching it.
Professor Bonnet has been working for many years on molecules of this type. [VERB + on]
Work is also a noun.
Our work shows that 10 per cent of families were behind on their rent or mortgage.
10. verb
If you workwith a person or a group of people, you spend time and effort trying to help them in someway.
She spent a period of time working with people dying of cancer. [V + with/among]
He knew then that he wanted to work among the poor. [Vwith/among n]
Work is also a noun.
...a highly respected doctor who is noted for his work with the poor.
She became involved in social and relief work among the refugees. [+ among]
11. verb
If a machine or piece of equipment works, it operates and performs a particular function.
The pump doesn't work and we have no running water. [VERB]
Is the telephone working today? [VERB]
Ned turned on the lanterns, which worked with batteries. [VERB preposition/adverb]
Synonyms: function, go, run, operate More Synonyms of work
12. verb
If an idea, system, or way of doing something works, it is successful, effective, or satisfactory.
95 per cent of these diets do not work. [VERB]
If lust is all there is to hold you together, the relationship will never work. [VERB]
I shouldn't have come, I knew it wouldn't work. [VERB]
A methodical approach works best. [VERB adverb]
13. verb
If a drug or medicine works, it produces a particular physical effect.
I wake at 6am as the sleeping pill doesn't work for more than nine hours. [VERB]
The drug works by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. [VERB preposition/adverb]
14. verb
If something works in your favour, it helps you in some way. If something works to your disadvantage, it causes problems for you in some way.
One factor thought to have worked in his favour is his working class image. [VERB preposition]
This obviously works against the interests of the child. [VERB preposition]
15. verb
If something or someone works their magic or works their charms on a person, they have a powerful positive effect on them.
As Foreign Secretary, he had to work his charm on leaders from Stalin to Truman. [VERB noun + on]
Our spirits rallied as the hot tea worked its magic. [VERB noun]
16. verb
If your mind or brain is working, you are thinking about something or trying to solve a problem.
My mind was working frantically, running over the events of the evening. [VERB]
17. verb
If you work on an assumption or idea, you act as if it were true or base other ideas on it, until you have moreinformation.
We are working on the assumption that it was a gas explosion. [VERB + on]
18. verb
If you work a particular area or type of place, you travel around that area or work in thoseplaces as part of your job, for example trying to sell something there.
Brand has been working the clubs and the pubs since 1986, developing her comedy act. [VERB noun]
This is the seventh year that he has worked the streets of Manhattan. [VERB noun]
19. verb
If you work someone, you make them spend time and effort doing a particular activity or job.
They're working me too hard. I'm too old for this. [VERB noun adverb/preposition]
They didn't take my father away, but kept him in the village and worked him to death. [VERB noun adverb/preposition]
[Also VERB noun]
20. verb
If someone, often a politician or entertainer, works a crowd, they create a good relationship with the people in the crowd and get their supportor interest.
The Prime Minister has an ability to work a crowd–some might even suggest it is akind of charm. [VERB noun]
He worked the room like a politician, gripping hands, and slapping backs. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: handle, move, excite, manipulate More Synonyms of work
21. verb
When people work the land, they do all the tasks involved in growing crops.
Farmers worked the fertile valleys. [VERB noun]
Synonyms: cultivate, farm, dig, till More Synonyms of work
22. verb
When a mine is worked, minerals such as coal or gold are removed from it.
The mines had first been worked in 1849, when gold was discovered in California. [beVERB-ed]
Only an agreed number of men was allowed to work any given seam at any given time. [VERB noun]
23. verb
If you work a machine or piece of equipment, you use or control it.
Many adults still depend on their children to work the computer. [VERB noun]
24. verb
If something works into a particular state or condition, it gradually moves so that it is in that stateor condition.
A screw had worked loose from my glasses. [VERB adjective]
25. verb
If you work a substance such as dough or clay, you keep pressing it to make it have a particular texture.
Work the dough with the palm of your hand until it is very smooth. [VERB noun]
Remove rind from the cheese and work it to a firm paste, with a fork. [VERB noun preposition/adverb]
Synonyms: manipulate, make, form, process More Synonyms of work
26. verb
If you work a material such as metal, leather, or stone, you cut, sew, or shape it in order to make something or to create a design.
...the machines needed to extract and work the raw stone. [VERB noun]
...a long, cool tunnel of worked stone. [VERB-ed]
27. verb
If you work with a particular substance or material, you use it in order to make something or to createa design.
He studied sculpture because he enjoyed working with clay. [Vwith/in n]
28. verb
If you work a part of your body, or if it works, you move it.
Each position will work the muscles in a different way. [VERB noun]
Her mouth was working in her sleep. [VERB]
29. countable noun [with singular or plural verb, usually noun NOUN, NOUN noun]
A works is a place where something is manufactured or where an industrial process is carriedout. Works is used to refer to one or to more than one of these places.
The steel works could be seen for miles.
...a recycling works.
...the works canteen.
30. plural noun
Works are activities such as digging the ground or building on a large scale.
...six years of disruptive building works, road construction and urban development.
31. singular noun [theNOUN]
You can say the works after listing things such as someone's possessions or requirements, to emphasize that they possess or require everything you can think of in a particular category.
[informal, emphasis]
Amazing place he's got there–squash courts, swimming pool, jacuzzi, the works.
32. See also working
33.
See at work
34.
See at work
35.
See to have your work cut out
36.
See in the works
37.
See to make short/heavy/easy/quick work of sth
38.
See a nasty piece of work
39.
See to put/set sb to work
40.
See get/go to work
41.
See to work your way swh
42.
See nice/good work
43. to throw a spanner in the works
Phrasal verbs:
See work in
See work off
See work out
See work over
See work up
More Synonyms of work
work in British English
(wɜːk)
noun
1.
physical or mental effort directed towards doing or making something
2.
paid employment at a job or a trade, occupation, or profession
3.
a duty, task, or undertaking
4.
something done, made, etc, as a result of effort or exertion
a work of art
5.
materials or tasks on which to expend effort or exertion
6. another word for workmanship (sense 3)
7.
the place, office, etc, where a person is employed
8.
any piece of material that is undergoing a manufacturing operation or process; workpiece
9.
a.
decoration or ornamentation, esp of a specified kind
b.
(in combination)
wirework
woolwork
10.
an engineering structure such as a bridge, building, etc
11. informal
plastic surgery performed for cosmetic reasons
12. physics
the transfer of energy expressed as the product of a force and the distance throughwhich its point of application moves in the direction of the force
Abbreviation: W, w
13.
a structure, wall, etc, built or used as part of a fortification system
14. at work
15. make short work of
16. (modifier)
of, relating to, or used for work
work clothes
a work permit
verb
17. (intransitive)
to exert effort in order to do, make, or perform something
18. (intransitive)
to be employed
19. (transitive)
to carry on operations, activity, etc, in (a place or area)
that sales team works the southern region
20. (transitive)
to cause to labour or toil
he works his men hard
21.
to operate or cause to operate, esp properly or effectively
to work a lathe
that clock doesn't work
22. (transitive)
to till or cultivate (land)
23.
to handle or manipulate or be handled or manipulated
to work dough
24.
to shape, form, or process or be shaped, formed, or processed
to work copper
25.
to reach or cause to reach a specific condition, esp gradually
the rope worked loose
26. (transitive) mainly US and Canadian
to solve (a mathematical problem)
27. (intransitive)
to move in agitation
her face worked with anger
28. (transitive; often foll byup)
to provoke or arouse
to work someone into a frenzy
29. (transitive)
to effect or accomplish
to work one's revenge
30.
to make (one's way) with effort
he worked his way through the crowd
31. (transitive)
to make or decorate by hand in embroidery, tapestry, etc
working a sampler
32. (intransitive)
(of a mechanism) to move in a loose or otherwise imperfect fashion
33. (intransitive)
(of liquids) to ferment, as in brewing
34. (transitive) informal
to manipulate or exploit to one's own advantage
35. (transitive) slang
to cheat or swindle
Derived forms
workless (ˈworkless)
adjective
worklessness (ˈworklessness)
noun
Word origin
Old English weorc (n), wircan, wyrcan (vb); related to Old High German wurchen, German wirken, Old Norse yrkja, Gothic waurkjan
work in American English
(wɜrk)
noun
1.
physical or mental effort exerted to do or make something; purposeful activity; labor; toil
2.
employment at a job or in a position
3.
occupation, profession, business, trade, craft, etc.
4.
a.
something one is making, doing, or acting upon, esp. as part of one's occupationor duty; task; undertaking
to bring work home from the office
b.
the amount of this
a day's work
5.
something that has been made or done; result of a specific kind of activity or wayof working [to have dental work done, skillful brushwork]
; specif.,
a.
an act; deed
usually used in pl.
a person of good works
b. [pl.]
collected writings
the works of Poe
c. [pl.]
engineering structures, as bridges, dams, docks, etc.
d.
a fortification
e.
needlework; embroidery
f.
work of art
6.
material that is being or is to be processed, as in a machine tool, in some stateof manufacture
7. [pl., with sing. v.]
a place where work is done, as a factory, public utility plant, etc.
, often in combination
steelworks, gasworks
8.
manner, style, quality, rate, etc. of working; workmanship
9.
foam due to fermentation, as in cider
10.
the action of, or effect produced by, natural forces
11. Mechanics
the product of force and the amount of displacement in the direction of that force: it is the means by which energy is transferred fromone object or system to another
abbrev. W
12. [pl.]; Theology
acts done in compliance with religious laws or duties or aimed at fulfilling religious ideals
adjective
13.
of, for, or used in work
verb intransitiveWord forms: worked or ˈworking
14.
to exert oneself in order to do or make something; do work; labor; toil
15.
to be employed
16.
a.
to perform its required or expected function; operate or act as specified
b.
to operate effectively; be effectual
a makeshift arrangement that works
17.
to undergo fermentation
18.
to produce results or exert an influence
let it work in their minds
19.
to be manipulated, kneaded, etc.
putty that works easily
20.
to move, proceed, etc. slowly and with or as with difficulty
21.
to move, twitch, etc. as from agitation
his face worked with emotion
22.
to change into a specified condition, as by repeated movement
the door worked loose
23. Nautical
to strain, as in a storm, so that the fastenings become slack
said of a ship
verb transitive
24.
to cause; bring about; effect
an idea that worked harm
25.
to mold; shape; form
to work silver
26.
to sew, embroider, etc.
to work a sampler
27.
to solve (a mathematical problem, puzzle, etc.)
28.
to draw, paint, carve, etc. (a portrait or likeness)
29.
to manipulate; knead
to work dough
30.
to bring into a specified condition, as by movement back and forth
to work a nail loose
31.
to cultivate (soil)
32.
to cause to function; operate; manage; use
to work a pump
33.
to cause fermentation in
34.
to cause to work
to work a crew hard
35.
to influence; persuade
to work someone around to one's way of thinking
36.
to make (one's way, passage, etc.) by work or effort
37.
to provoke; rouse; excite
to work oneself into a rage
38.
to carry on activity in, along, etc.; cover
a salesman working his territory
39. Informal
to make use of, esp. by artful contriving
to work one's connections
40. US, Informal
to use one's influence, charm, etc. on (a person) to gain some profit or advantage
41. US, Slang
to move through (a crowd or room) greeting people, shaking hands, etc.
said esp. of a politician
Idioms:
at work
get the works
give someone the works
in the works
make short work of
out of work
shoot the works
the works
work in
work off
work on
work out
work over
work up
Word origin
ME werk < OE weorc, akin to Ger werk < IE base *werĝ-, to do, act > Gr ergon (for *wergon), action, work, organon, tool, instrument
work in Mechanical Engineering
(wɜrk)
noun
(Mechanical engineering: Energy, thermodynamics and heat transfer)
Work is a type of energy associated with a force acting on a large object in order toaccelerate it.
The work done in compressing the spring is equal to the force times the distance through whichit acts.
The heated gas expands against a piston doing mechanical work.
Work is a type of energy associated with a force acting on a large object in order toaccelerate it.
More idioms containing
work
work hand in hand
work your guts out
work your fingers to the bone
do the donkey work
something is all in a day's work
work overtime
work your socks off
do someone's dirty work
have your work cut out
a nasty piece of work
a piece of work
work miracles
Examples of 'work' in a sentence
work
We all know plants can be works of art in themselves.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Telling people to work from home or take a bus is frankly insulting.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
If this government wants to govern it must grasp how this process works.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
We are working very hard on these aspects to improve them.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
How have they worked that one out?
The Sun (2016)
Where to buy something that works like a cardigan but looks like a jacket?
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
They will have their work cut out.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
You have got this inherent work ethic that makes them want to get things done.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
The work is grounded in the daily domestic behaviour patterns of two people who know each other well.
Times, Sunday Times (2017)
The overhaul lends new life to the art works on display.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
There are many amazing people working here who care so much for the club and the town.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Work on processes and systems that use nuclear power.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
Where on earth would the hard work and application come from?
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
The summer has to be one of hard work.
The Sun (2013)
The mattress that takes all the guess work out of sleeping.
John Fisher Tommy Cooper: Always Leave Them Laughing (2006)
Your blend of ability and persistence gets results at work.
The Sun (2010)
He was always keen to promote works by contemporary composers and also favoured neglected works.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
This will naturally lead to concern for the work of the church.
Christianity Today (2000)
We work together as ground crew for an airline.
The Sun (2013)
The new pilot will have his or her work cut out.
Times, Sunday Times (2012)
All the evidence shows that it is supportive relationships that make families work well.
Pearce, Dr John Families and Friends - how to help your child form happy relationships. (1989)
She also works one day a week in an interior design shop.
The Sun (2016)
He wrote the next day explaining he was working on a book.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
It should not work the other way round.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
They will also face financial penalties for leaving temporary traffic lights in place once work is completed.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Yet only in a few businesses is knowledge work thought through and purposefully directed.
Peter F. Drucker MANAGING FOR RESULTS (1986)
Many works of art are produced and performed in complete harmony with utilitarian objectives.
Harris, Marvin Cultural Anthropology (1995)
While working at this job she was reporting to a personnel executive who became an important mentor.
Harris, Jean Everything You Need to Know for Success in Business (1990)
There was also intensive construction work at the wind park during the past two years.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
To plant on such a large scale is hard work.
Page, Russell The Education of a Gardener (1994)
Your supervisor should be able to advise on how to promote your efforts at work.
Times, Sunday Times (2011)
How do smart passive funds work?
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
Woman in the works canteen couldn't pronounce quinoa properly.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Quotations
I just don't happen to think [work]'s an appropriate subject for an ethicBarbara EhrenreichGoodbye to the Work Ethic
Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completionN. Northcote ParkinsonParkinson's Law
I mean, really: Why work? Simply to buy more stuff?Douglas CouplandGeneration X
Work is the curse of the drinking classesOscar Wilde
Work is the great cure of all maladies and miseries that ever beset mankindThomas Carlyle
If any would not work, neither should he eatBible: II Thessalonians
All that matters is love and workattributed to Sigmund Freud
Anyone can do any amount of work, provided it isn't the work he is supposed to be doingRobert Benchley
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
In other languages
work
British English: work /wɜːk/ NOUN
People who have work have a job.
Fewer and fewer people are in work.
American English: work
Arabic: عَمَل
Brazilian Portuguese: trabalho
Chinese: 工作
Croatian: posao
Czech: práce
Danish: arbejde
Dutch: werk
European Spanish: trabajo
Finnish: työ
French: travail
German: Arbeit
Greek: δουλειά
Italian: lavoro
Japanese: 労働
Korean: 일
Norwegian: arbeid
Polish: praca
European Portuguese: trabalho
Romanian: lucru
Russian: работа
Latin American Spanish: trabajo
Swedish: arbete
Thai: การงาน
Turkish: iş
Ukrainian: робота
Vietnamese: công việc
British English: work /wɜːk/ VERB
toil When you work, you do something that uses a lot of your time or effort.
We work hard all day.
American English: work
Arabic: يَعْمَلُ
Brazilian Portuguese: trabalhar
Chinese: 工作
Croatian: raditi
Czech: pracovat
Danish: arbejde
Dutch: werken
European Spanish: trabajar
Finnish: työskennellä
French: travailler
German: arbeiten
Greek: δουλεύω
Italian: lavorare
Japanese: 働く
Korean: 일하다
Norwegian: arbeide
Polish: pracować
European Portuguese: trabalhar
Romanian: a lucra
Russian: работать
Latin American Spanish: trabajar
Swedish: arbeta
Thai: ทำงาน
Turkish: çalışmak
Ukrainian: працювати
Vietnamese: làm việc
British English: work /wɜːk/ VERB
machine If a machine works, it does its job.
The TV isn't working.
American English: work
Arabic: يَشْتَغِلُ
Brazilian Portuguese: funcionar
Chinese: 运转
Croatian: raditi
Czech: fungovat
Danish: virke
Dutch: werken
European Spanish: funcionar
Finnish: toimia
French: fonctionner
German: funktionieren
Greek: λειτουργώ
Italian: funzionare
Japanese: 機能する
Korean: 작동하다
Norwegian: virke
Polish: działać
European Portuguese: funcionar
Romanian: a funcționa
Russian: работать
Latin American Spanish: funcionar
Swedish: fungera
Thai: ทำงาน
Turkish: çalışmak
Ukrainian: працювати
Vietnamese: hoạt động
All related terms of 'work'
at work
If someone is at work they are doing their job or are busy doing a particular activity.
work in
If you work one substance into another or work it in , you add it to the other substance and mix the two together thoroughly.
work on
to persuade or influence or attempt to persuade or influence
work up
If you work yourself up , you make yourself feel very upset or angry about something.
cold work
the craft of shaping metal without heat
desk work
work done at a desk
hot-work
to shape (metal) when hot
make-work
(designating) a job , project, or assignment that serves no useful purpose other than to give an otherwise idle or unemployed person something to do
part work
a series of magazines issued as at weekly or monthly intervals , which are designed to be bound together to form a complete course or book
scut work
work that is regarded as tedious and routine or menial
stop-work
a temporary cessation of work as a form of protest
work area
the place where a person, or people work
work back
to work overtime
work camp
a camp set up for young people who voluntarily do manual work on a worthwhile project
work farm
a farm on which the workers are short-term prisoners convicted of less serious crimes
work file
a temporary file that holds data during processing
work off
If you work off energy, stress , or anger , you get rid of it by doing something that requires a lot of physical effort.
work out
If you work out a solution to a problem or mystery , you manage to find the solution by thinking or talking about it.
work over
To work someone over means to beat them very violently.
work-rule
a form of industrial action in which employees adhere strictly to all the working rules laid down by their employers , with the deliberate intention of reducing the rate of working
work-shy
If you describe someone as work-shy , you disapprove of them because you think they are lazy and do not want to work.
work song
a folk song sung by laborers, as in the fields , with a marked rhythm matching the rhythm of their work
work visa
A visa is an official document, or a stamp put in your passport , which allows you to enter or leave a particular country.
work week
A work week is the amount of time during a normal week which you spend doing your job .
work-worn
roughened by hard work
bench work
work done at a workbench , worktable , etc., as in a factory or laboratory
casual work
temporary , as opposed to permanent or regular, employment
close work
work that involves focusing your eyes on a nearby object, such as a book or computer screen , for a prolonged period of time
course work
Course work is work that students do during a course, rather than in exams, especially work that counts towards a student's final grade .
dirty work
unpleasant or illicit activity
donkey work
If you do the donkey work , you do the hard work or the less interesting part of the work that needs to be done.
drawn work
ornamental needlework done by drawing threads out of the fabric and using the remaining threads to form lacelike patterns
group work
a method, used by professional social workers, of aiding a group or members of a group toward individual adjustment and increased participation in community activity by exploiting the mechanisms of group life
grunt work
If you do the grunt work , you do the hard work or the less interesting part of the work that needs to be done.
hotel work
any of various jobs required in a hotel , such as receptionists , waiters , etc
life's work
Someone's life's work or life work is the main activity that they have been involved in during their life, or their most important achievement.
manual work
work involving the hands , as opposed to an office job , for example
night work
work that is done or undertaken at night-time , as by workers on night shift , etc
number work
simple arithmetic and similar mathematical procedures as used and studied at primary level
office work
work normally carried out in an office, for example clerical or administrative work for an organization
police work
the everyday duties of police officers, esp the investigation of criminal activities
relief work
the work carried out by charities providing aid for people in need , esp in disaster areas
rough work
a preliminary work in preparation for a sketch , report , piece of work, etc
social work
Social work is work which involves giving help and advice to people with serious family problems or financial problems.
strap work
decorative work resembling interlacing straps
work basket
a basket for holding sewing equipment
work ethic
An ethic of a particular kind is an idea or moral belief that influences the behaviour, attitudes , and philosophy of a group of people.
work habits
A habit is something that you do often or regularly.
work-harden
to increase the strength or hardness of (a metal) by a mechanical process, such as tension , compression , or torsion
work order
an order authorizing specific work, repairs , etc., to be done
Chinese translation of 'work'
work
(wəːk)
n
(u) (= tasks, duties) 事情 (shìqing)
⇒ I must go, I've got loads of work to do.我得走了，我有一大堆事情要做。 (Wǒ děi zǒu le, wǒ yǒu yī dà duī shìqing yào zuò.)
(u) (= job) 工作 (gōngzuò)
⇒ The work of a doctor is very interesting and varied.医生的工作非常有趣而且丰富多彩。 (Yīshēng de gōngzuò fēicháng yǒuqù érqiě fēngfù duōcǎi.)
(u) (= place) 工作场(場)所 (gōngzuò chǎngsuǒ)
(c) (Art, Liter) 作品 (zuòpǐn)
⇒ Chopin's works肖邦的作品 (Xiāobāng de zuòpǐn)
vi
(= have job, do tasks) 工作 (gōngzuò)
⇒ She works for a drug company.她在一家药品公司工作。 (Tā zài yī jiā yàopǐn gōngsī gōngzuò.)
⇒ We were working 24 hours a day.我们曾一天工作24小时。 (Wǒmen céng yī tiān gōngzuò èrshísì xiǎoshí.)
(= function)[mechanism, machine]运(運)行 (yùnxíng)
⇒ The new machine is working well.新机器运行良好。 (Xīn jīqì yùnxíng liánghǎo.)
⇒ The traffic lights weren't working.红绿灯坏了。 (Hónglǜdēng huài le.)
(= take effect)[medicine etc]见(見)效 (jiànxiào)
⇒ How long does a sleeping pill take to work?一颗安眠药要多长时间开始见效？ (Yī kē ānmiányào yào duō cháng shíjiān kāishǐ jiànxiào?)
(= be successful)[idea, method]起作用 (qǐ zuòyòng)
⇒ 95% of these diets do not work.95%的这些减肥食谱都不起作用。 (Bǎifēnzhī jiǔshíwǔ de zhèxiē jiǎnféi shípǔ dōu bù qǐ zuòyòng.)
vt
(= shape)[clay, wood, leather etc]加工 (jiāgōng)
(= exploit)[mine]开(開)采(採) (kāicǎi)
[land]耕种(種) (gēngzhòng)
(= operate)[machine]操作 (cāozuò)
(= cause)[miracle]创(創)造 (chuàngzào)
⇒ I can't work miracles, you know.你要知道，我不能创造奇迹。 (Nǐ yào zhīdào, wǒ bùnéng chuàngzào qíjì.)
to set to work or start work (on sth)着(著)手做(某项(項)工作) (zhuóshǒu zuò (mǒu xiàng gōngzuò))
to be at work (on sth)在做(某项(項))工作 (zài zuò (mǒuxiàng) gōngzuò)
to go to work去上班 (qù shàngbān)
to be out of work失业 (shīyè)
to be in work有工作 (yǒu gōngzuò)
to have your work cut out面临(臨)艰(艱)巨(鉅)的任务(務) (miànlín jiānjù de rènwù)
to work hard努力工作 (nǔlì gōngzuò)
to work on the principle that ... 按照 ... 原则(則)行事 (ànzhào ... yuánzé xíngshì)
to work one's way to the top费(費)力地一点(點)点(點)爬到高职(職) (fèilì de yīdiǎndiǎn pádào gāozhí)
to work loose[part, knot]渐(漸)渐(漸)变(變)松 (jiànjiàn biàn sōng)
to work sth into sth/work sth in[substance]将(將)某物和进(進)某物/将(將)某物和进(進)去 (jiāng mǒuwù huòjìn mǒuwù/jiāng mǒuwù huò jìnqù)
Derived Forms
worksn pl (= activities) 作业 (zuòyè) see alsoworks
All related terms of 'work'
at work
( not at home ) 在工作 zài gōngzuò
work on
( busy o.s. with ) 从(從)事于(於) cóngshì yú
work up
( courage, enthusiasm ) 激发(發) jīfā
work off
( energy, anger ) 发(發)泄(洩) fāxiè
work out
( Sport ) 锻(鍛)炼(鍊) duànliàn
shift work
轮(輪)班工作 lúnbān gōngzuò
social work
社会(會)福利工作 shèhuì fúlì gōngzuò
work permit
工作许(許)可证(證) gōngzuò xǔkězhèng [ 个(個) gè ]
out-of-work
失业的 shīyè de
work of art
艺(藝)术(術)品 yìshùpǐn
work surface
厨房橱柜上的操作面
to work hard
努力工作 nǔlì gōngzuò
to work late
工作到很晚 gōngzuò dào hěnwǎn
to work loose
( part, knot ) 渐(漸)渐(漸)变(變)松 jiànjiàn biàn sōng
work experience
工作经(經)历(歷) gōngzuò jīnglì
to be in work
有工作 yǒu gōngzuò
to go to work
去上班 qù shàngbān
unfit for work
身体(體)不佳无(無)法工作 shēntǐ bù jiā wúfǎ gōngzuò
to do shift work
做轮(輪)班工作 zuò lúnbān gōngzuò
to work flat out
( Brit ) 尽(盡)全力工作 jìn quánlì gōngzuò
to work freelance
做自由职(職)业(業)工作 zuò zìyóu zhíyè gōngzuò
but it does work!
但那确(確)实(實)奏效！ dàn nà quèshí zòuxiào!
to be out of work
失业 shīyè
to work like a slave
像奴隶(隸)般工作 xiàng núlì bān gōngzuò
gardening is thirsty work
园(園)艺(藝)是辛苦的工作 yuányì shì xīnkǔ de gōngzuò
he has no need to work
他没(沒)有必要工作 tā méiyǒu bìyào gōngzuò
he's come here to work
他已经(經)到了这(這)儿(兒)工作 tā yǐjīng dàole zhèr gōngzuò
he's gone off to work
他已经(經)去上班了 tā yǐjīng qù shàngbān le
I can't work out why ...
我弄不懂为(為)什么(麼) ... wǒ nòng bù dǒng wèi shénme ...
to do or work overtime
加班 jiābān
to think/work in metric
( inf ) 用公制考虑(慮)/工作 yòng gōngzhì kǎolǜ/gōngzuò
to work an 8 hour day
每天工作8小时(時) měi tiān gōngzuò bā xiǎoshí
to work at full capacity
以最大限度工作 yǐ zuì dà xiàndù gōngzuò
to work or do wonders
创(創)造奇迹(蹟) chuàngzào qíjì
to work to a deadline
根据(據)截止日期工作 gēnjù jiézhǐ rìqī gōngzuò
to work/pedal/scrub away
连(連)续(續)不断(斷)地工作/蹬车(車)/擦洗 liánxù bùduàn de gōngzuò/dēngchē/cāxǐ
he's at work on a novel
他正在写(寫)一本小说(說) tā zhèngzài xiě yī běn xiǎoshuō
it's all down to hard work
都是由于(於)工作太辛苦的缘(緣)故 dōushì yóuyú gōngzuò tài xīnkǔ de yuángù
she's unpleasant to work with
她很难(難)一起共事 tā hěn nán yīqǐ gòngshì
there's so much work to do
有那么(麼)多工作要做 yǒu nàme duō gōngzuò yào zuò
to go on with one's work
继(繼)续(續)自己的工作 jìxù zìjǐ de gōngzuò
to have your work cut out
面临(臨)艰(艱)巨(鉅)的任务(務) miànlín jiānjù de rènwù
to put work out to tender
( Brit ) 对(對)工程进(進)行招标(標) duì gōngchéng jìnxíng zhāobiāo
to work against the clock
争(爭)分夺(奪)秒地工作 zhēng fēn duó miǎo de gōngzuò
to work overtime to do sth
( inf ) 加班加点(點)地做某事 jiābān jiādiǎn de zuò mǒushì
to work shoulder to shoulder
( co-operate ) 齐(齊)心协(協)力地工作 qí xīn xié lì de gōngzuò
(of a machine or a piece of equipment) to function, esp. effectively
The pump doesn't work and we have no running water.
Synonyms
function
The authorities say the prison is now functioning properly.
go
My car isn't going very well at the moment.
run
the staff who have kept the bank running
operate
The machine operates at a pace of just 2 miles per hour.
perform
This car performs well.
be in working order
Opposites
be broken
,
be out of order
4 (verb)
Definition
(of a plan or system) to be successful
Most of these diets don't work.
Synonyms
succeed
a move which would make any future talks even more unlikely to succeed
work out
I hope everything works out for you in your new job.
pay off (informal)
Her persistence paid off in the end.
be successful
be effective
do the trick (informal)
Sometimes a few choice words will do the trick.
do the business (informal)
get results
turn out well
have the desired result
go as planned
5 (verb)
Modern medicine can work miracles.
Synonyms
accomplish
If we all work together, I think we can accomplish our goal.
cause
I don't want to cause any trouble.
create
Criticism will only create feelings of failure.
effect
Prospects for effecting real political change have taken a step backward.
achieve
There are many who will work hard to achieve these goals.
carry out
implement
The government promised to implement a new system to control loan institutions.
execute
We are going to execute our campaign plan to the letter.
bring about
encompass
contrive
The oil companies were accused of contriving a shortage of gasoline to justify price increases.
6 (verb)
a performer with the ability to work an audience
Synonyms
handle
move
These stories surprised and moved me.
excite
I only take on work that excites me.
manipulate
rouse
He did more to rouse the crowd than anybody else.
stir up
agitate
The thought of them inheriting all these things agitated her.
incite
He incited his fellow citizens to take revenge.
whip up
galvanize
The appeal has galvanized them into taking positive action.
7 (verb)
Definition
to cultivate (land)
Farmers worked the fertile valleys.
Synonyms
cultivate
She cultivated a small garden of her own.
farm
They had farmed the same land for generations.
dig
He was outside digging the garden.
till
freshly tilled fields
plough
They ploughed 100,000 acres of virgin moorland.
8 (verb)
Definition
to operate (a machine or a piece of equipment)
I learnt how to work the forklift.
Synonyms
operate
The men were trapped as they operated a tunnelling machine.
use
Officials used loud-hailers to call for calm.
move
control
He now controls the largest retail development empire in southern California.
You should not let other people control you.
drive
Don't expect to be able to drive a car or operate machinery.
manage
Her daughter couldn't manage the horse.
direct
She will direct day-to-day operations.
handle
One report said the aircraft would become difficult to handle.
manipulate
complex tasks such as hanging 90 feet in the air trying to manipulate a mechanical arm
wield
She appeared at the door, wielding a new walking stick.
ply
With startling efficiency, the chef plied his knives.
9 (verb)
Work the dough with your hands until it is very smooth.
Synonyms
manipulate
The way he can manipulate my leg has helped my arthritis so much.
make
They now make cars at two plants in Europe.
form
The bowl was formed out of clay.
process
A number of applications are being processed at the moment.
fashion
The desk was fashioned out of oak.
shape
Like it or not, our families shape our lives.
handle
mould
We moulded a statue out of mud.
knead
Lightly knead the mixture on a floured surface.
10 (verb)
Definition
to make (one's way) with effort
Rescuers were still working their way towards the trapped men.
Synonyms
progress
He progressed slowly along the coast in an easterly direction.
move
She waited for him to get up, but he didn't move.
force
manoeuvre
We attempted to manoeuvre the canoe closer to him.
make your way
11 (verb)
His face was working in his sleep.
Synonyms
move
twitch
writhe
He was writhing on the floor in agony.
convulse
Olivia's face convulsed in a series of spasms.
be agitated
12 (verb)
Definition
to manipulate to one's own advantage
(informal)
Some clever people work it so that they never have to pay taxes.
Synonyms
contrive
handle
fix (informal)
They offered players bribes to fix a league match.
swing (informal)
arrange
She arranged an appointment for Friday afternoon.
exploit
manipulate
pull off
fiddle (informal)
bring off
1 (noun)
Definition
paid employment at a job, trade, or profession
What kind of work do you do?
Synonyms
employment
She was unable to find employment in the area.
calling
He was a serious man, dedicated to his calling as a physician.
business
May I ask what business you are in?
job
the pressure of being the first woman in the job
line
What was your father's line of business?
office
the honour and dignity of the office of President
trade
He was a jeweller by trade.
duty
My duty is to look after the animals.
craft
All kinds of traditional crafts are preserved here.
profession
Harper was a teacher by profession.
occupation
I was looking for an occupation which would allow me to travel.
pursuit
They both love outdoor pursuits.
livelihood
fishermen who depend on the seas for their livelihood.
métier
Opposites
play
,
holiday
,
unemployment
,
entertainment
,
retirement
,
hobby
, recreation,
spare time
2 (noun)
Definition
physical or mental effort directed to doing or making something
This needs time and a lot of hard work.
Synonyms
effort
A great deal of effort had been put into the planning.
industry
No one doubted his industry or his integrity.
labour
the labour of seeding, planting and harvesting
grind (informal)
Life continues to be a terrible grind for the ordinary person.
sweat
toil
It is only toil which gives meaning to things.
slog
There is little to show for two years of hard slog.
exertion
panting from the exertion of climbing the stairs
drudgery
the drudgery of everyday life
travail (literary)
He did whatever he could to ease their travail.
elbow grease (facetious)
Opposites
rest
,
ease
,
leisure
,
relaxation
3 (noun)
Definition
duties or tasks
I used to take work home, but I don't do it any more.
Synonyms
task
He had the unenviable task of breaking the bad news.
jobs
projects
commissions
duties
assignments
chores
yakka (Australian, New Zealand, informal)
4 (noun)
Police say the break-ins are the work of a local criminal gang.
Synonyms
handiwork
doing
It was all her doing.
act
My insurance covers acts of sabotage.
feat
an incredible feat of agility
deed
His heroic deeds were celebrated in every corner of the country.
5 (noun)
Definition
something done or made as a result of effort
In my opinion, this is Rembrandt's greatest work.
Synonyms
creation
The bathroom is entirely my own creation.
performance
The study looked at the performance of 18 surgeons.
piece
an orchestral piece
production
the apparent lack of skill in the production of much new modern art
opus
She couldn't find a publisher for her latest opus.
achievement
It is the achievement of these goals that will bring lasting peace.
composition
Bach's compositions are undoubtedly among the greatest ever written.
oeuvre (French)
handiwork
undertaking
phrase
See out of work
Phrasal verbs
See work on someone
See work out
See work out at something
See work someone up
See work something out
See work something up
related words
related maniaergasiomania
related phobiaergasiophobia
Quotations
I just don't happen to think [work]'s an appropriate subject for an ethic [Barbara Ehrenreich – Goodbye to the Work Ethic]Work expands so as to fill the time available for its completion [N. Northcote Parkinson – Parkinson's Law]I mean, really: Why work? Simply to buy more stuff? [Douglas Coupland – Generation X]Work is the curse of the drinking classes [Oscar Wilde]Work is the great cure of all maladies and miseries that ever beset mankind [Thomas Carlyle]If any would not work, neither should he eat [Bible: II Thessalonians]All that matters is love and work [attributed to Sigmund Freud]Anyone can do any amount of work, provided it isn't the work he is supposed to be doing [Robert Benchley]
proverb
All work and no play makes Jack a dull boy
Additional synonyms
in the sense of achieve
Definition
to gain by hard work or effort
There are many who will work hard to achieve these goals.
Synonyms
accomplish,
reach,
fulfil,
finish,
complete,
gain,
perform,
earn,
do,
get,
win,
carry out,
realize,
obtain,
conclude,
acquire,
execute,
bring about,
attain,
consummate,
procure,
bring off (informal),
effectuate,
put the tin lid on
in the sense of achievement
Definition
the successful completion of something
It is the achievement of these goals that will bring lasting peace.
Synonyms
fulfilment,
effecting,
performance,
production,
execution,
implementation,
completion,
accomplishment,
realization,
attainment,
acquirement,
carrying out or through
in the sense of act
Definition
something done
My insurance covers acts of sabotage.
Synonyms
deed,
action,
step,
performance,
operation,
doing,
move,
blow,
achievement,
stroke,
undertaking,
exploit,
execution,
feat,
accomplishment,
exertion
Synonyms of 'work'
work
Explore 'work' in the dictionary
Additional synonyms
in the sense of agitate
Definition
to excite, disturb, or trouble
The thought of them inheriting all these things agitated her.
Synonyms
upset,
worry,
trouble,
disturb,
excite,
alarm,
stimulate,
distract,
rouse,
ruffle,
inflame,
incite,
unnerve,
disconcert,
disquiet,
fluster,
perturb,
faze,
work someone up,
give someone grief (British, South Africa),
arouse,
ferment
in the sense of arrange
Definition
to plan in advance
She arranged an appointment for Friday afternoon.
Synonyms
plan,
agree,
prepare,
determine,
schedule,
organize,
construct,
devise,
contrive,
fix up,
jack up (New Zealand, informal)
in the sense of business
Definition
a trade or profession
May I ask what business you are in?
Synonyms
profession,
work,
calling,
job,
line,
trade,
career,
function,
employment,
craft,
occupation,
pursuit,
vocation,
métier
in the sense of calling
Definition
a profession or occupation, esp. a caring one
He was a serious man, dedicated to his calling as a physician.
Synonyms
profession,
work,
business,
line,
trade,
career,
mission,
employment,
province,
occupation,
pursuit,
vocation,
walk of life,
life's work,
métier
in the sense of cause
Definition
to be the cause of
I don't want to cause any trouble.
Synonyms
produce,
begin,
create,
effect,
lead to,
occasion (formal),
result in,
generate,
provoke,
compel,
motivate,
induce,
bring about,
give rise to,
precipitate,
incite,
engender
in the sense of composition
Definition
a work of music, art, or literature
Bach's compositions are undoubtedly among the greatest ever written.
Synonyms
creation,
work,
piece,
production,
opus,
masterpiece,
chef-d'oeuvre
in the sense of control
Definition
to have power over
He now controls the largest retail development empire in southern California.You should not let other people control you.
Synonyms
have power over,
lead,
rule,
manage,
boss (informal),
direct,
handle,
conduct,
dominate,
command,
pilot,
govern,
steer,
administer,
oversee,
supervise,
manipulate,
call the shots,
call the tune,
reign over,
keep a tight rein on,
have charge of,
superintend,
have (someone) in your pocket,
keep on a string
in the sense of convulse
Olivia's face convulsed in a series of spasms.
Synonyms
twist,
contort,
work
in the sense of craft
Definition
an occupation requiring skill or manual dexterity
All kinds of traditional crafts are preserved here.
Synonyms
occupation,
work,
calling,
business,
line,
trade,
employment,
pursuit,
vocation,
handiwork,
handicraft
in the sense of create
Definition
to be the cause of
Criticism will only create feelings of failure.
Synonyms
cause,
lead to,
occasion (formal),
beget (old-fashioned),
bring about
Additional synonyms
in the sense of deed
Definition
a notable achievement
His heroic deeds were celebrated in every corner of the country.
Synonyms
action,
act,
performance,
achievement,
exploit,
feat
in the sense of dig
Definition
to cut into, break up, and turn over or remove (earth), esp. with a spade
He was outside digging the garden.
Synonyms
turn over,
till,
break up,
work,
hoe
in the sense of direct
Definition
to conduct or control the affairs of
She will direct day-to-day operations.
Synonyms
control,
run,
manage,
lead,
rule,
guide,
handle,
conduct,
advise,
govern,
regulate,
administer,
oversee,
supervise,
dispose,
preside over,
mastermind,
call the shots,
call the tune,
superintend
in the sense of do the trick
Definition
to produce the desired result
Sometimes a few choice words will do the trick.
Synonyms
work,
fit the bill,
have effect,
achieve the desired result,
produce the desired result,
take care of the problem,
be effective or effectual,
do the business (informal)
in the sense of doing
It was all her doing.
Synonyms
handiwork,
act,
action,
achievement,
exploit,
deed
in the sense of drive
Definition
to guide the movement of (a vehicle)
Don't expect to be able to drive a car or operate machinery.
Synonyms
operate,
manage,
direct,
guide,
handle,
pilot,
steer,
navigate
in the sense of drudge
Definition
to work at such tasks
Synonyms
toil,
work,
labour,
grind (informal),
slave,
plod,
plug away (informal),
moil (archaic, dialect),
keep your nose to the grindstone
in the sense of drudgery
Definition
uninteresting work that must be done
the drudgery of everyday life
Synonyms
labour,
grind (informal),
sweat (informal),
hard work,
slavery,
chore,
fag (informal),
toil,
slog,
donkey-work,
sweated labour,
menial labour,
skivvying (British)
in the sense of duty
Definition
a obligation to fulfil one's responsibilities
My duty is to look after the animals.
Synonyms
responsibility,
job,
task,
work,
calling,
business,
service,
office,
charge,
role,
function,
mission,
province,
obligation,
assignment,
pigeon (informal),
onus
in the sense of effect
Definition
to cause (something) to take place
Prospects for effecting real political change have taken a step backward.
Synonyms
bring about,
make,
cause,
produce,
create,
complete,
achieve,
perform,
carry out,
fulfil,
accomplish,
execute,
initiate,
give rise to,
consummate,
actuate,
effectuate
Additional synonyms
in the sense of excite
Definition
to make (a person) feel so happy that he or she is unable to relax because he or she is looking forward eagerly to something
I only take on work that excites me.
Synonyms
thrill,
inspire,
stir,
stimulate,
provoke,
awaken,
animate,
move,
fire,
rouse,
exhilarate,
agitate,
quicken,
inflame,
enliven,
galvanize,
foment
in the sense of execute
Definition
to produce or create (a work of art)
We are going to execute our campaign plan to the letter.
Synonyms
carry out,
effect,
finish,
complete,
achieve,
realize,
do,
implement,
fulfil,
enforce,
accomplish,
render,
discharge,
administer,
prosecute,
enact,
consummate,
put into effect,
bring off
in the sense of exert yourself
Definition
to make a special effort
He never exerts himself for other people.
Synonyms
make an effort,
work,
labour,
struggle,
strain,
strive,
endeavour,
go for it (informal),
try hard,
toil,
bend over backwards (informal),
do your best,
go for broke (slang),
bust a gut (informal),
spare no effort,
make a great effort,
give it your best shot (informal),
break your neck (informal),
apply yourself,
put yourself out,
make an all-out effort (informal),
get your finger out (British, informal),
pull your finger out (British, informal),
knock yourself out (informal),
do your damnedest (informal),
give it your all (informal),
rupture yourself (informal)
in the sense of exertion
Definition
effort or exercise, esp. physical effort
panting from the exertion of climbing the stairs
Synonyms
effort,
action,
exercise,
struggle,
industry,
labour,
trial,
pains,
stretch,
strain,
endeavour,
toil,
travail (literary),
elbow grease (facetious)
in the sense of farm
Definition
to do agricultural work as a way of life
They had farmed the same land for generations.
Synonyms
cultivate,
work,
plant,
operate,
till the soil,
grow crops on,
bring under cultivation,
keep animals on,
practise husbandry
in the sense of fashion
Definition
to form, make, or shape
The desk was fashioned out of oak.
Synonyms
make,
shape,
cast,
construct,
work,
form,
create,
design,
manufacture,
forge,
mould,
contrive,
fabricate
in the sense of feat
Definition
a remarkable, skilful, or daring action
an incredible feat of agility
Synonyms
accomplishment,
act,
performance,
achievement,
enterprise,
undertaking,
exploit,
deed,
attainment,
feather in your cap
in the sense of fix
Definition
to unfairly influence the outcome of
They offered players bribes to fix a league match.
Synonyms
rig,
set up (informal),
influence,
manipulate,
bribe,
manoeuvre,
fiddle (informal),
pull strings (informal)
in the sense of form
Definition
to make or construct or be made or constructed
The bowl was formed out of clay.
Synonyms
make,
produce,
model,
fashion,
build,
create,
shape,
manufacture,
stamp,
construct,
assemble,
forge,
mould,
fabricate
in the sense of galvanize
Definition
to stimulate into action
The appeal has galvanized them into taking positive action.
Synonyms
stimulate,
encourage,
inspire,
prompt,
move,
fire,
shock,
excite,
wake,
stir,
spur,
provoke,
startle,
arouse,
awaken,
rouse,
prod,
jolt,
kick-start,
electrify,
goad,
impel,
invigorate,
put a bomb under (informal)
Additional synonyms
in the sense of go
Definition
to operate or function
My car isn't going very well at the moment.
Synonyms
function,
work,
run,
move,
operate,
perform
in the sense of grind
Definition
hard or tedious work
Life continues to be a terrible grind for the ordinary person.
Synonyms
hard work (informal),
labour,
effort,
task,
sweat (informal),
chore,
toil,
drudgery
in the sense of implement
Definition
to carry out (instructions etc.)
The government promised to implement a new system to control loan institutions.
Synonyms
carry out,
effect,
carry through,
complete,
apply,
perform,
realize,
fulfil,
enforce,
execute,
discharge,
bring about,
enact,
put into action or effect
in the sense of incite
Definition
to stir up or provoke to action
He incited his fellow citizens to take revenge.
Synonyms
provoke,
encourage,
drive,
excite,
prompt,
urge,
spur,
stimulate,
set on,
animate,
rouse,
prod,
stir up,
inflame,
instigate,
whip up,
egg on,
goad,
impel,
foment,
put up to,
agitate for or against
in the sense of industry
Definition
the quality of working hard
No one doubted his industry or his integrity.
Synonyms
diligence,
effort,
labour,
hard work,
trouble,
activity,
application,
striving,
endeavour,
toil,
vigour,
zeal,
persistence,
assiduity,
tirelessness
in the sense of job
Definition
a person's occupation or paid employment
the pressure of being the first woman in the job
Synonyms
position,
post,
function,
capacity,
work,
posting,
calling,
place,
business,
office,
trade,
field,
career,
situation,
activity,
employment,
appointment,
craft,
profession,
occupation,
placement,
vocation,
livelihood,
métier
in the sense of knead
Definition
to squeeze or press with the hands
Lightly knead the mixture on a floured surface.
Synonyms
squeeze,
work,
massage,
manipulate,
form,
press,
shape,
stroke,
blend,
rub,
mould
in the sense of line
Definition
a field of interest or activity
What was your father's line of business?
Synonyms
occupation,
work,
calling,
interest,
business,
job,
area,
trade,
department (informal),
field,
career,
activity,
bag (slang),
employment,
province,
profession,
pursuit,
forte,
vocation,
specialization
in the sense of livelihood
Definition
one's job or other source of income
fishermen who depend on the seas for their livelihood.
Synonyms
occupation,
work,
employment,
means,
living,
job,
maintenance,
subsistence,
bread and butter (informal),
sustenance,
(means of) support,
(source of) income
in the sense of make
Definition
to create, construct, establish, or draw up
They now make cars at two plants in Europe.
Synonyms
create,
build,
produce,
manufacture,
form,
model,
fashion,
shape,
frame,
construct,
assemble,
compose,
forge,
mould,
put together,
originate,
fabricate
Additional synonyms
in the sense of manage
Definition
to keep under control
Her daughter couldn't manage the horse.
Synonyms
control,
influence,
guide,
handle,
master,
dominate,
manipulate
in the sense of manoeuvre
Definition
to move or do something with dexterity and skill
We attempted to manoeuvre the canoe closer to him.
Synonyms
steer,
direct,
guide,
pilot,
work,
move,
drive,
handle,
negotiate,
jockey,
manipulate,
navigate
in the sense of mould
Definition
to shape or form
We moulded a statue out of mud.
Synonyms
shape,
make,
work,
form,
create,
model,
fashion,
cast,
stamp,
construct,
carve,
forge,
sculpt
in the sense of occupation
Definition
a person's job or profession
I was looking for an occupation which would allow me to travel.
Synonyms
job,
work,
calling,
business,
line (of work),
office,
trade,
position,
post,
career,
situation,
activity,
employment,
craft,
profession,
pursuit,
vocation,
livelihood,
walk of life
in the sense of office
Definition
a position of trust or authority, as in a government
the honour and dignity of the office of President
Synonyms
post,
place,
role,
work,
business,
service,
charge,
situation,
commission,
station,
responsibility,
duty,
function,
employment,
capacity,
appointment,
occupation
in the sense of opus
Definition
an artistic creation, esp. a musical work by a particular composer, numbered in order of publication
She couldn't find a publisher for her latest opus.
Synonyms
work,
piece,
production,
creation,
composition,
work of art,
brainchild,
oeuvre
in the sense of pay off
Definition
to turn out successfully
Her persistence paid off in the end.
Synonyms
succeed,
work,
be successful,
be effective,
be profitable
in the sense of perform
This car performs well.
Synonyms
function,
go,
work,
run,
operate,
handle,
respond,
behave
in the sense of performance
The study looked at the performance of 18 surgeons.
Synonyms
work,
acts,
conduct,
exploits,
feats
in the sense of piece
Definition
a literary, musical, or artistic composition
an orchestral piece
Synonyms
composition,
work,
production,
opus
Additional synonyms
in the sense of plough
Definition
to make (furrows or grooves) in (something) with or as if with a plough
They ploughed 100,000 acres of virgin moorland.
Synonyms
turn over,
dig,
till,
ridge,
cultivate,
furrow,
break ground
in the sense of ply
Definition
to use (a tool)
With startling efficiency, the chef plied his knives.
Synonyms
use,
handle,
employ,
swing,
manipulate,
wield,
utilize
in the sense of process
A number of applications are being processed at the moment.
Synonyms
handle,
manage,
action,
deal with,
fulfil,
take care of,
dispose of
in the sense of production
the apparent lack of skill in the production of much new modern art
Synonyms
creation,
development,
fashioning,
composition,
origination
in the sense of profession
Definition
a type of work that requires special training, such as in law or medicine
Harper was a teacher by profession.
Synonyms
occupation,
calling,
business,
career,
employment,
line,
office,
position,
sphere,
vocation,
walk of life,
line of work,
métier
in the sense of pursuit
Definition
an occupation or pastime
They both love outdoor pursuits.
Synonyms
occupation,
activity,
interest,
line,
pleasure,
hobby,
pastime,
vocation
in the sense of rouse
Definition
to provoke or excite
He did more to rouse the crowd than anybody else.
Synonyms
excite,
move,
arouse,
stir,
disturb,
provoke,
anger,
startle,
animate,
prod,
exhilarate,
get going,
agitate,
inflame,
incite,
whip up,
galvanize,
bestir
in the sense of run
Definition
to function or cause to function
the staff who have kept the bank running
Synonyms
go,
work,
operate,
perform,
function,
be in business,
be in action,
tick over
in the sense of shape
Definition
to devise or develop
Like it or not, our families shape our lives.
Synonyms
form,
affect,
influence,
make,
produce,
create,
model,
fashion,
mould
in the sense of slave
Definition
to work very hard for little or no money
slaving over a hot stove
Synonyms
toil,
labour,
grind (informal),
drudge,
sweat,
graft,
slog,
sweat blood,
skivvy (British),
work your fingers to the bone,
work your guts out,
keep your nose to the grindstone
Additional synonyms
in the sense of slog
Definition
long exhausting work
There is little to show for two years of hard slog.
Synonyms
work,
labour,
toil,
industry,
grind (informal),
effort,
struggle,
pains,
sweat (informal),
painstaking,
exertion,
donkey-work,
blood, sweat, and tears (informal)
in the sense of till
Definition
to cultivate (land) for the raising of crops
freshly tilled fields
Synonyms
cultivate,
dig,
plough,
work,
turn over
in the sense of toil
Definition
to work hard
Boys toiled in the hot sun to finish the wall.
Synonyms
labour,
work,
struggle,
strive,
grind (informal),
sweat (informal),
slave,
graft (informal),
go for it (informal),
slog,
grub,
bend over backwards (informal),
drudge,
go for broke (slang),
push yourself,
bust a gut (informal),
give it your best shot (informal),
break your neck (informal),
work like a dog,
make an all-out effort (informal),
work like a Trojan,
knock yourself out (informal),
do your damnedest (informal),
give it your all (informal),
work your fingers to the bone,
rupture yourself (informal)
in the sense of toil
Definition
hard or exhausting work
It is only toil which gives meaning to things.
Synonyms
hard work,
industry,
labour,
effort,
pains,
application,
sweat,
graft (informal),
slog,
exertion,
drudgery,
travail,
donkey-work,
elbow grease (informal),
blood, sweat and tears (informal)
in the sense of trade
Definition
a specified market or business
He was a jeweller by trade.
Synonyms
job,
employment,
calling,
business,
line,
skill,
craft,
profession,
occupation,
pursuit,
line of work,
métier,
avocation
in the sense of travail
Definition
painful or exceptionally hard work
He did whatever he could to ease their travail.
Synonyms
toil,
suffering,
pain,
stress,
labour,
grind (informal),
effort,
tears,
strain,
distress,
sweat,
hard work,
slavery,
hardship,
slog,
exertion,
drudgery
in the sense of use
Definition
to put into service or action
Officials used loud-hailers to call for calm.
Synonyms
employ,
utilize,
make use of,
work,
apply,
operate,
exercise,
practise,
resort to,
exert,
wield,
ply,
put to use,
bring into play,
find a use for,
avail yourself of,
turn to account,
call into play
in the sense of wield
Definition
to handle or use (a weapon or tool)
She appeared at the door, wielding a new walking stick.
Synonyms
brandish,
flourish,
manipulate,
swing,
use,
manage,
handle,
employ,
ply
in the sense of work out
Definition
to be successful or satisfactory
I hope everything works out for you in your new job.
Synonyms
succeed,
flourish,
go well,
be effective,
prosper,
go as planned,
prove satisfactory,
do the business (informal)
in the sense of writhe
Definition
to twist or squirm in pain
He was writhing on the floor in agony.
Synonyms
squirm,
struggle,
twist,
toss,
distort,
thrash,
jerk,
wriggle,
wiggle,
contort,
convulse,
thresh
All related terms of 'work'
work out
happen, go, result, develop, come out
out of work
unemployed, redundant, laid off, jobless, idle
work of art
masterpiece, magnum opus, master work
work on someone
persuade, influence, manipulate, sway, put pressure on
work someone up
excite, move, spur, wind up, arouse
work something out
solve, find out, resolve, calculate, figure out
work something up
generate, rouse, instigate, foment, enkindle
work out at something
amount to, come to, reach, add up to, reach a total of