Definition

Noun: - Physical work performed primarily with the hands and body: This term refers to work that requires physical effort and skill, often involving tasks like construction, farming, manufacturing, or repair, as opposed to intellectual or administrative work.

Usage

The term "manual labor" is used to categorize and describe types of jobs or tasks. It often carries connotations of being physically demanding. - It is commonly used in discussions about economics, workforce, job types, and social class. - It is typically used as a non-count noun (e.g., "engaged in manual labor").

Examples

• Noun:
  • The bridge was built through years of hard manual labor.
  • He earned his living by doing manual labor on a construction site.
  • Automation has reduced the need for manual labor in many factories.

Advanced Usage

• "to engage in manual labor": to do physical work.
  • After college, he engaged in manual labor to save money for travel.
• "skilled manual labor": physical work that requires specific training or expertise.
  • Carpentry and welding are considered forms of skilled manual labor.

Variants and Related Words

• Laborer (n): a person who does manual labor, especially in construction or agriculture.
  • The laborers began work at dawn.
• Manual (adj): relating to or done with the hands.
  • The job requires manual dexterity.
• Blue-collar (adj): relating to manual industrial work or workers, often contrasted with white-collar office work.
  • He comes from a blue-collar family.

Synonyms

• Physical work: Work involving bodily effort.
• Hard labor: Strenuous physical work.
• Toil: Exhausting physical labor.

Antonyms

• Intellectual work: Work primarily involving the mind.
• White-collar work: Professional, administrative, or clerical work.
• Desk job: Employment involving work at a desk.

Related Phrases

• "The dignity of manual labor": A phrase emphasizing the value and respect owed to physical work.
  • The philosopher wrote about the dignity of manual labor.
• "Manual labor force": The segment of the workforce employed in physical jobs.
  • The country's economy relied heavily on its manual labor force.

Noun

1. labor done with the hands