chore
CHOR
/tʃɔːr/
A routine task, especially a household one; a tedious or unpleasant task.
Can refer literally to daily cleaning tasks, or metaphorically to any duty that feels boring, repetitive, or burdensome.
The story behind the word. Derived from the Old English 'cierr', meaning a turn or a change. It referred to a 'turn of work'. Over time, in American English, 'char' became 'chore', specifically designating those small, daily turns of work around the farm or house.
Word relationships
- task: 'Task' is neutral and can be exciting or professional; 'chore' almost always implies something routine and slightly tedious.
- duty: 'Duty' carries a moral or official obligation, whereas 'chore' is strictly domestic or mundane.
- leisure activity: An activity done purely for pleasure and relaxation.
Commonly confused with
- errand: An 'errand' involves leaving the house to accomplish a task (e.g., buying groceries), while a 'chore' is typically done inside the home.
Collocations
- household chores
- daily chores
- do chores
- chore chart
Example sentences
- "We created a weekly chore chart to ensure the bathroom gets cleaned regularly." Roommate agreement
- "Filling out tax forms is such a chore that I procrastinate on it every year." Metaphorical burden
Memory hook
A chore is a 'bore' that you must do before you walk out the 'door'. Chore: A domestic bore.
When not to use
Do not use for major, creative, or non-routine projects (e.g., writing a book is not a 'chore', though editing it might feel like one).
Fun facts
- The British term 'charwoman' (a cleaning woman) shares the exact same root as 'chore' ('char').
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