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work

Meaning in simple English

US /wɝk/ · UK /wɜːk/

work means: The job or tasks you do, usually to earn money.

noun

JOBA1

The job or tasks you do, usually to earn money.

  • I enjoy my work.
  • His work involves travelling abroad.
  • Are you looking for work?

Similar words: employment, job

Common phrases: find work, paid work, work experience

WORKPLACEA1

The place where you do your job.

  • Dad is at work.
  • She drove to work early.
  • What time do you leave work?

Similar words: workplace

Common phrases: at work, to work, from work

EFFORTA2

The physical or mental effort needed to do or make something.

  • This takes a lot of work.
  • We finished the work before sunset.
  • Repairing the roof was hard work.

Similar words: effort, labour

Common phrases: hard work, a lot of work, work on something

CREATIVE PRODUCTB1

Something someone has created, such as a book, painting, or piece of music.

  • This is her latest work.
  • The museum displays works by local artists.
  • Have you read his early work?

Similar words: creation, piece

Common phrases: work of art, early work, collected work

EMPLOYERB2

The company or organization that employs you.

  • My work pays for my training.
  • Her work gave her two days off.
  • Will your work let you leave early?

Similar words: employer

Common phrases: my work, work allows something, work pays for

ENERGY TRANSFERC1

Energy transferred when a force moves an object through a distance.

  • Work is measured in joules.
  • The force did work on the moving box.
  • Calculate the work needed to lift the weight.

Common phrases: work done, work against friction, calculate the work

verb

DO A JOBA1

To do a job, usually for money.

  • I work in a shop.
  • She worked as a teacher for years.
  • Do you work on Sundays?

How to use it: work as something (He works as a nurse.); work for someone/something (She works for a small company.); work at/in something (I work in a hospital.)

Similar words: be employed

Common phrases: work as something, work for someone, work at something

FUNCTION SUCCESSFULLYA1

To do what is intended, or produce the result that someone wants.

  • My phone does not work.
  • The new treatment worked well.
  • Will this plan work?

How to use it: work for someone (That solution works for me.)

Similar words: function, succeed

Opposites: fail

Common phrases: work properly, work well, work for someone, work again

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