Understanding the Word ‘Career’: Definition, Usage, and Examples
Learn about the meaning, pronunciation, and correct usage of the word ‘career’. This video covers its definition, etymology, synonyms, antonyms, and common mistakes to avoid when using this important term in discussions about professional life and work goals.
Have you ever thought about what you want to do with your life? Or maybe you’re already working but wondering if there’s something else out there for you?
Today, we’re going to learn about an important word that relates to these questions: career.
Word type: Career is a noun.
It’s pronounced kuh-reer.
Meaning: A career is the job or series of jobs that you do during your working life, especially if you continue to get better jobs and earn more money.
Word history: The word career comes from the Latin word carrus, which means wheeled vehicle. Over time, it came to mean a course or path, and eventually, it was used to describe the path of one’s professional life.
Antonyms: Some opposite words for career are unemployment, joblessness, or idleness.
Synonyms: Words with similar meanings to career include profession, occupation, vocation, and calling.
Examples use in sentences: Here are three ways you can use career in a sentence: One. She has had a successful career as a doctor for over twenty years.
Two. Many young people are unsure about which career path to choose. Three. He changed careers from teaching to marketing when he was in his thirties.
Common errors in use: Be careful not to confuse career with job. A job is a specific position you hold, while a career refers to your long-term professional path.
For example, you wouldn’t say I have a career at McDonald’s, but you could say I have a career in the food service industry.
Also, remember that career is usually used as a countable noun. This means you can say a career or careers.
For instance, Some people have multiple careers throughout their lives. To sum up, understanding and using the word career correctly can help you discuss work and professional goals more effectively in English.
Try using it in your own sentences, and think about how you might describe your own career aspirations in your next IELTS speaking or writing task.
