Labor
/ˈleɪ.bər/noun
The process of performing work or exertion, especially physical work.
Did you know?The Latin root of 'labor' was synonymous with both 'work' and 'suffering', revealing a historical link between toil and pain.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*leǵ-
“to lie down, to be weak, suggesting a connection to physical exertion.”
Latin
Latin
labor
“work, toil, suffering, indicating a burden or hardship.”
Old French
Old French
labor
“work or exertion, retaining the sense of effort and hardship.”
Middle English
Middle English
labour
“physical or mental effort, especially in a context of hardship.”
Modern English
English
labor
“the act of working, often still connoting struggle and effort.”
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