Definition

Verb: 1. To deal with or process something systematically and completely: This involves addressing all parts of a task, problem, or difficult emotion in a step-by-step manner until it is finished or resolved. 2. To think about or discuss something thoroughly: This meaning emphasizes careful, detailed consideration of all aspects of an issue or example.

Usage and Examples

• Verb:
  • The therapist helped her work through her grief after the loss. (This means to process the difficult emotions step by step.)
  • We need to work through this budget report line by line to find the error. (This means to examine the document systematically and completely.)
  • Let's work through the practice problems together. (This means to solve each problem in a thorough, methodical way.)

Advanced Usage

• "to work through an issue": To resolve a problem or disagreement by discussing and analyzing it carefully.
  • The couple decided to work through their issues with a counselor.
• "to work through a list": To complete all items on a list, one after another.
  • She worked through her to-do list efficiently.

Variants and Related Words

• Work (verb): To perform a task or be engaged in physical or mental activity.
• Through (preposition/adverb): Indicating movement in one side and out the other, or completion.

Synonyms

• Process: To deal with something using an established system.
• Think through: To consider all the possible effects or implications of something.
• Tackle: To make a determined effort to deal with a problem or task.

Related Phrasal Verbs

• Work on: To spend time repairing or improving something.
  • He is working on his car.
• Work out: To solve a problem or find a solution through calculation or effort.
  • Can you work out this math problem?

Related Idioms

• See something through: To continue with a task or project until it is completed.
  • It was a difficult project, but she was determined to see it through.

Verb

1. apply thoroughly; think through
   • We worked through an example