Basic Details
Word: Menial
Part of Speech: Adjective
Meaning: Relating to routine tasks that require little skill and are often considered low-status.
Synonyms: Unskilled, basic, humdrum
Antonyms: Skilled, professional, prestigious
Idioms and Phrases
- Menial tasks: Simple, routine jobs that do not require much skill. Example: "Despite his education, he found himself doing menial tasks at the temporary job."
- Take on menial work: To accept jobs that are simple and not very rewarding. Example: "After college, she was willing to take on menial work to gain experience."
Usage Examples
Example 1: Many believe that menial jobs are essential for the smooth running of a household.
Example 2: He started his career by taking on menial tasks before moving up to a managerial position.
Example 3: Although she had a degree, she sometimes felt that her job involved too many menial duties.
Fun Fact
The word "menial" comes from the Latin word "mansionem," which means "to remain" or "stay." This refers to servants who stayed on at a household to perform tasks.
Famous Quote
"No job is menial. Its the thinking that shapes the job into something unworthy." - John Donne
Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs)
1. What does "menial" mean?
a) Related to high-status jobs
b) Relating to routine tasks
c) A type of animal
d) A form of art
Answer: b) Relating to routine tasks
2. Which of these is a synonym of "menial"?
a) Professional
b) Unskilled
c) Specialised
d) Talented
Answer: b) Unskilled
3. What is the antonym of "menial"?
a) Low-status
b) Simple
c) Skilled
d) Basic
Answer: c) Skilled
4. Which sentence uses "menial" correctly?
a) The menial chef prepared an elaborate meal.
b) The menial tasks included cleaning and sorting.
c) He was given a menial promotion at work.
d) She sang a menial song for the audience.
Answer: b) The menial tasks included cleaning and sorting.
5. What does it mean to "take on menial work"?
a) To refuse work
b) To accept simple jobs
c) To create new tasks
d) To teach a skill
Answer: b) To accept simple jobs
