least effort
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: The minimum amount of physical or mental exertion required to accomplish a task; the principle or practice of choosing the easiest available method or path to achieve a result.
Usage
This noun phrase describes the concept of minimizing work or exertion. It is often used when discussing efficiency, laziness, or a fundamental principle of behavior. * People often follow the path of least effort when making decisions. * The design was changed to allow completion with the least effort. * He always seeks the least effort solution to any problem.
Examples
- The software update aims to automate the process, requiring the least effort from the user.
- In physics, objects in motion tend to follow a trajectory of least effort.
- Her strategy was based on the principle of least effort, focusing only on the most critical tasks.
Advanced Usage
- The Principle of Least Effort: A formal hypothesis in information science and behavioral psychology stating that individuals will naturally gravitate towards the method that requires the smallest amount of work.
- The researcher's study on user search behavior confirmed the Principle of Least Effort.
Variants and Related Words
- Least-effort (adjective, often hyphenated when used attributively): Describing something that requires minimal exertion.
- They adopted a least-effort approach to the routine maintenance.
- Path of Least Resistance: A closely related idiom with a similar meaning, often used interchangeably in casual contexts, though it can imply avoiding conflict rather than minimizing work.
Synonyms
- Minimal exertion
- Easiest way
- Minimum effort
Related Idioms
- To take the easy way out: To choose the simplest option, often avoiding difficulty or effort.
- Instead of fixing the root cause, he took the easy way out with a temporary patch.
- To cut corners: To do something in the easiest or quickest way, often by omitting parts or ignoring rules, which can lead to inferior results.
- The builder cut corners, and now the roof is leaking.
Noun
- the least effortful way to do something