lazy

lazy

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Pronunciation

Lazy

IPA Phonetic Spelling: /ˈleɪ.zi/

• Syllable 1: /leɪ/

• /l/ as in "light" (voiced alveolar lateral approximant)

• /eɪ/ as in "day" (diphthong)

• Syllable 2: /zi/

• /z/ as in "zoo" (voiced alveolar fricative)

• /i/ as in "happy" (short high front unrounded vowel)

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Word Form Variations

Adjective:

• Base form: lazy

• Comparative: lazier

• Superlative: laziest

Noun (derived):

• laziness

Verb (derived):

• laze (to spend time idly)

Adverb (derived):

• lazily

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Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms

Adjective

1. Unwilling to work or use energy; averse to activity or exertion. This is the most common meaning, implying a lack of motivation for effort.

• Synonyms: idle, indolent, sluggish, lethargic, unenergetic, apathetic

• Antonyms: industrious, diligent, energetic, active, hardworking, ambitious

2. Characterized by or showing a lack of effort, activity, or precision; done in a relaxed or unhurried manner.

• Synonyms: leisurely, relaxed, slow, languid, lackadaisical, casual

• Antonyms: hurried, strenuous, precise, meticulous, brisk, vigorous

3. (Of movement or action) Slow and lacking force or vigor; not requiring much effort or exhibiting slowness.

• Synonyms: sluggish, languid, slow, gentle (of movement, e.g., "lazy river")

• Antonyms: quick, swift, forceful, energetic, rapid

Verb (derived: laze)

1. To spend time in a relaxed, idle, or indolent way; to relax lazily.

• Synonyms: lounge, relax, idle, loaf, recline, repose

• Antonyms: work, toil, labor, exert, strive, bustle

Noun (derived: laziness)

1. The state or quality of being unwilling to work or use energy; indolence.

• Synonyms: idleness, indolence, sluggishness, lethargy, inertia, apathy

• Antonyms: industry, diligence, energy, activity, industriousness, drive

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Examples of Use

Books:

• "The lazy cat stretched luxuriously in the sunbeam, not a care in the world." (From a children's book or fictional novel, referring to an animal)

• "He was criticized for his lazy approach to research, often skipping crucial steps." (From an academic text or critical review, referring to lack of effort)

• "The novel evokes a feeling of long, lazy summer days, filled with quiet reflection." (From a literary novel, referring to a relaxed quality)

Newspapers:

• "The government faced accusations of being lazy in addressing the rising cost of living." (From a political commentary or editorial, generic example, referring to inaction)

• "A new fitness trend encourages a 'productive lazy' approach, optimizing rest for better performance." (From a health or lifestyle section, an oxymoron for effect)

• "The river meandered in a lazy curve through the valley, reflecting the evening sky." (From a descriptive travel piece or nature report, referring to slow movement)

Online Publications:

• "Are you too lazy to cook? Try these quick and easy meal prep hacks." (From a food blog or lifestyle website, e.g., Budget Bytes)

• "Why your smart home gadgets might be making you lazy (and how to fix it)." (From a technology review site, e.g., Wired.com)

• "The definitive guide to a lazy Sunday morning: perfect brunch recipes and activities." (From a lifestyle or relaxation blog, e.g., Goop)

Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:

• Film: "I'm not lazy; I'm just on my energy-saving mode." (Dialogue from a comedic film)

• Television Series: "The lazy villain spent all day plotting from his armchair, letting his minions do the work." (Character description in a cartoon or action series)

• Music (Song Lyrics): "Early morning, the sun in the sky. Feeling so lazy, just wanna lie." (From a chill-out or pop song)

• Video Games: "Beware of the lazy dragon; it might seem harmless but its fire breath is deadly." (In-game character description)

• Podcasts: "Our guest discusses why 'being lazy' can sometimes be a sign of intelligence, not apathy." (From a psychology or productivity podcast)

General Public Discourse:

• "He's too lazy to clean his room." (Common complaint about someone's work ethic)

• "I'm feeling really lazy today; I just want to relax." (Common personal statement)

• "Don't be lazy; help me carry these bags." (Common instruction or mild admonition)

• "It was a lazy afternoon by the pool." (Common descriptive phrase)

• "That's a lazy excuse for not finishing your work." (Common criticism)

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10 Famous Quotes Using Lazy

1. “Success is not for the lazy.” — T. Harv Eker

2. “I choose a lazy person to do a hard job. Because a lazy person will find an easy way to do it.” — Bill Gates

3. “The lazy man claims he is too wise to work.” — Proverbs 26:16 (The Bible)

4. “Laziness may appear attractive, but work gives satisfaction.” — Anne Frank

5. “A lazy man is always about to do something.” — Proverb

6. “You can’t teach people to be lazy – either they have it or they don’t.” — Dagwood Bumstead (Chic Young)

7. “Hard work beats talent when talent doesn’t work hard—and lazy talent gets beat every time.” — Tim Notke

8. “The only time a lazy man ever succeeds is when he tries to do nothing.” — Evan Esar

9. “Lazy people are always eager to be doing something.” — Luc de Clapiers

10. “A lazy person, whatever the talents with which he starts out, has condemned himself to second-rate thoughts and to second-rate friends.” — Cyril Connolly

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Etymology

The word "lazy" has a somewhat uncertain but interesting origin, likely stemming from a Low German or Dutch root that meant "idle" or "sluggish."

It's believed to have come into English around the mid-16th century (specifically around 1540), possibly from the Low German word "lasich" or the Dutch word "lasig." These words meant "idle," "weak," "feeble," or "weary." Some theories suggest a connection to an older Germanic root implying "slack" or "loose."

So, the first known use and meaning of "lazy" in English was to describe someone or something as "averse to work or effort; sluggish; idle." It directly conveyed the idea of a lack of energy or willingness to exert oneself. The verb "to laze" (to be idle) and the noun "laziness" developed shortly after the adjective entered the language.

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Phrases + Idioms Containing Lazy

Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "lazy," supplemented as needed:

• Lazy Susan: A revolving tray, typically circular, placed on a table for serving food.

• Lazy eye: A condition (amblyopia) where one eye has reduced vision due to abnormal development.

• Lazybones: (Informal) A lazy person.

• Lazy boy: (Often capitalized, referring to the brand) A comfortable reclining armchair.

• Lazy river: A shallow, slow-moving artificial river feature at a water park.

• A lazy day: A day spent relaxing and doing very little.

• Too lazy to lift a finger: Extremely unwilling to do any work at all.

• As lazy as a hog in mud: (Informal, humorous) Extremely lazy. (Lesser-known, descriptive)

• Slothful by nature: Inherently lazy. (More formal synonym)

• Idle hands are the devil's workshop: (Proverb) People who are lazy or not working are more likely to get into trouble. (Implies a consequence of laziness)

• Taking it easy: Relaxing and avoiding strenuous activity. (Synonymous with being lazy in a good way)

• Couch potato: (Informal) A very lazy person who spends a lot of time watching television. (Implies laziness)

• Sitting on one's laurels: Resting on past achievements and not making new efforts. (Idiom, implies a form of laziness)

• Drag one's feet: To do something slowly and unwillingly. (Idiom, implies laziness or reluctance)

• A relaxed pace: Moving or working without hurriedness. (Original phrase, emphasizing the less negative aspect of "lazy")

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Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA

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Source Information

Definition of lazy from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.

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