The spelling of the word "labouring" can be confusing because of the presence of the letter "u". It is pronounced as /ˈleɪbərɪŋ/ in IPA phonetic transcription. The letter "u" in this word is a remnant of the word's Old English origin. In the US, "laboring" is the preferred spelling, while in the UK and Canada, "labouring" is more commonly used. Both spellings have the same meaning, which refers to the act of working hard or toiling.
Labouring is an adjective derived from the verb "to labour", which means to work diligently or exert physical or mental effort to accomplish a task or objective. The term describes the act of engaging in hard, strenuous, or difficult work, often involving manual labor or mental exertion.
In the context of physical work, labouring refers to tasks that require substantial physical effort, such as working in fields, factories, or construction sites. It encompasses activities like digging, lifting heavy objects, operating machinery, or carrying out repetitive tasks that demand strength, endurance, and skill.
Moreover, labouring can also pertain to intellectual or mental work that involves intense focus, concentration, and cognitive effort. This can include activities like researching, problem-solving, analyzing data, or developing complex strategies.
Furthermore, the term can be used to describe someone who is engaged in toiling or exerting effort for prolonged periods, suggesting dedication, persistence, or commitment to a specific task or project.
In a broader sense, labouring can extend beyond work-related activities and be used to describe a situation or process that is demanding, arduous, or challenging. It implies a state of continual effort or striving, emphasizing the energy and determination required to achieve desired goals or outcomes.
• Exerting bodily strength or intellectual power; engaged at work not requiring skill; toiling.
• The act of labouring; the pitching and rolling of a vessel in a heavy sea.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "labouring" is derived from the Middle English word "labouren", which in turn stems from the Old French word "labourer". This Old French term was borrowed from the Latin word "laborare", meaning "to work or toil". The ultimate origin can be traced back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*lobh-", which signifies "to gain or obtain". Over time, the word "labouring" evolved to refer to various forms of exertion or work, particularly manual or physical labor.