The phrase "work over" can be spelled with the IPA phonetic transcription /wərk ˈoʊvər/. The first syllable, "work," is spelled with the letter "w" followed by the schwa sound represented by "ə" and the consonant "r." The second syllable, "over," is pronounced with the diphthong "oʊ" and the "v" and "r" consonants. Together, the pronunciation of "work over" is emphasized on the first syllable and has a rising inflection on the second syllable.
Work over is a phrasal verb that has multiple meanings and can be used in various contexts.
One meaning of work over is to thoroughly or extensively examine or go through something. It is often used when referring to reviewing or re-analyzing a document, plan, or proposal. For example, a manager might ask their team to work over a project proposal to ensure it is well-written and error-free before submitting it to the client.
Another meaning of work over is to revise or improve something. It is commonly used when discussing the process of making changes to a piece of writing, artwork, or design to enhance its quality or effectiveness. For instance, an author may need to work over their manuscript by rewriting certain sections to make it more engaging or coherent.
Work over can also refer to conducting further investigations or experiments to gather additional information or results. This usage is prevalent in scientific research or academic studies. For instance, a scientist may need to work over their experiments to verify their findings or to explore different variables and conditions.
Furthermore, work over can mean to persuade or convince someone through persistent efforts or discussion. It is often used when someone is trying to change someone else's opinion or behavior. For instance, a salesperson may work over a potential customer by providing compelling arguments and information to make a sale.
Overall, work over is a versatile phrasal verb that denotes thoroughly examining, revising or improving, further investigating, or persuading in different contexts.
The phrase "work over" is primarily used as a phrasal verb in informal contexts, and its etymology can be traced back to the individual meanings of its constituent words.
The word "work" comes from the Old English word "weorc", which meant "something done, action, or proceeding". Over time, its meaning evolved to refer to labor or effort expended in order to achieve a particular goal or complete a task.
The word "over" has roots in various Germanic languages. In Old English, it was spelled as "ofer" and meant "above" or "across". Over time, it developed additional meanings, such as "in addition to" or "extensively".
When these two words are combined, "work over" generally means to thoroughly examine, evaluate, or review something or someone.