toil

IPA

Dictionary definition of toil

To engage in hard, strenuous, and often exhausting physical or mental labor.
"The farmers toil in the fields from dawn till dusk."

Detailed meaning of toil

When we use the term "toil," we emphasize the sustained effort and the demanding nature of the work involved. Toiling often implies working diligently and persistently towards a goal, often in less than ideal conditions or with great difficulty. This verb is commonly associated with tasks or activities that require a significant expenditure of energy and time. Toil can take various forms, including physical labor like farming, construction, or heavy lifting, as well as mental toil such as intensive problem-solving, research, or studying. Toil conveys a sense of dedication and determination, highlighting the willingness to exert oneself in pursuit of a worthwhile objective.

Example sentences of toil

1. The construction workers toiled for weeks to complete the skyscraper.
2. The athletes toiled for months to prepare for the championship game.
3. The writer toiled through the night to finish their manuscript.
4. The soldiers toiled through the mud and rain in the trenches.
5. The miners toil underground for hours to extract precious minerals.
6. The students toiled for days to complete their final project.

History and etymology of toil

The verb 'toil' has its origins in Old English, where it appeared as 'teolian.' This Old English term was related to 'teon,' which meant 'to pull' or 'to drag.' Over time, 'teolian' transformed into 'toil,' and its meaning shifted to describe not just any labor but specifically hard, strenuous, and often exhausting physical or mental work. The etymology of 'toil' is tied to the notion of exerting great effort, as if one were figuratively pulling or dragging themselves through arduous tasks. It embodies the idea of laborious and demanding work, making it an appropriate word to describe such strenuous efforts.

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Further usage examples of toil

1. The factory workers toil on the assembly line to meet the production quota.
2. The chefs toil in the kitchen to prepare a perfect meal for their guests.
3. The fishermen toil on the boats to catch enough fish for their livelihood.
4. The volunteers toil tirelessly to provide aid to those in need.
5. The artists toil for years to perfect their craft and create masterpieces.
6. Nurses toil tirelessly, providing care to patients in need, day and night.
7. Inventors toil relentlessly, refining their inventions for perfection.
8. Laborers toil diligently to build our cities and infrastructure.
9. Teachers toil passionately, shaping the minds of future generations.
10. Writers toil endlessly, weaving words into captivating stories and poetry.
11. Farmers toil from dawn to dusk, tending to their crops and livestock.
12. Miners toil deep underground, extracting valuable minerals.
13. Athletes toil through rigorous training to reach the pinnacle of their sport.
14. Scientists toil in labs, conducting experiments to unlock mysteries.
15. Entrepreneurs toil with determination to turn their visions into reality.
16. Parents toil selflessly, providing love and support to their children.
17. Artists toil with passion, creating works that stir the soul.
18. Activists toil tirelessly, advocating for change in their communities.
19. Gardeners toil to nurture beautiful blooms and lush landscapes.
20. Volunteers toil with empathy, offering aid to those in distress.
21. Researchers toil to find cures for diseases and improve lives.
22. Construction workers toil to erect towering structures.
23. Musicians toil to master their instruments and craft melodious tunes.
24. Fishermen toil on the open sea, seeking their daily catch.
25. Plumbers toil to ensure clean water flows in our homes.