The correct spelling of the phrase "laboring at" can be confusing due to the presence of an extra "u" in "laboring" (often spelled "labouring" in British English). In phonetic transcription, "laboring" is pronounced /ˈleɪbərɪŋ/, with stress on the second syllable. The "u" is not pronounced, but serves as a reminder of the word's Latin roots, where the letter was used to indicate the long "o" sound. It is important to choose the correct spelling depending on the intended audience and location.
"Laboring at" is a phrase that can be broken down into two parts: "laboring" and "at."
The term "laboring" refers to the act of working diligently and exerting physical or mental effort in order to accomplish a task or achieve a goal. It implies performing work that requires repetitive or strenuous effort, often involving physical exertion or mental strain. This can encompass a wide range of activities, such as manual labor, intensive intellectual work, or vocational tasks.
The preposition "at" in this context indicates the location or focus of the laboring activity. It denotes the specific task, job, or occupation that an individual is engaged in, or the area or field where their efforts are concentrated. "At" is used to pinpoint the particular endeavor or domain in which the laboring takes place.
Therefore, "laboring at" can be understood as the dedicated and committed effort put into pursuing a specific task, job, or occupation. It suggests actively and persistently engaging in work that requires strenuous effort and requires focus on a particular area or field. It emphasizes the idea of diligently undertaking a task or occupation, investing time, energy, and commitment to achieve the desired outcome.
The word "laboring at" is a phrase that consists of two parts: "laboring" and "at".
The word "laboring" originates from the Middle English word "laboren", which can be traced back to the Old French word "labourer" and the Latin word "laborare". Both the Old French and Latin words share the common meaning of "to work or exert oneself".
The preposition "at" comes from the Old English word "æt", which has remained relatively unchanged in its form. It is used to indicate location, time, or manner in English.
When combined, the phrase "laboring at" means working or exerting oneself in a specific place or manner.