Work, labour, profession… and the person who makes it

A stroll into etymology (from the cnrtl.fr website, the National Centre for Textual and Lexical Resources) sheds surprising light on words whose origins we have forgotten, reminding us of their deeper meaning.

The word ‘work’ comes from the Latin ‘opera’: an act, but also something excellent, something difficult. In 1542, Rabelais defined it as the totality of tasks carried out with a single purpose.

The word ‘worker’ comes from the Latin: a labourer, associated with ‘opera’, the person who carries out what requires effort.

In the 12th century, ‘work’ referred to childbirth, the toil one undergoes and endures.

But in 881, ‘vocation’ primarily meant divine service.

Thus, the work we carry out over the years leads us to a goal achieved through effort that demands a personal involvement yet will lead to a new accomplishment. Carried out by a group of people who share the know-how and the ability to interact, this work becomes a profession, a service rendered with an uplifting and transformative dimension, noble in essence.

Words can whisper just as easily as they can shout, bringing meaning to the surface …