Perspiration Meaning
/ˌpɜːspəˈɹeɪʃən/Definition, CEFR level C1, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe action or process of perspiring.
nounSynonym of hard work.
Sentence Examples
We were all drenched with perspiration.
Genius is one percent inspiration and ninety-nine percent perspiration.
After the match, large beads of perspiration bespangled her face.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms:
Antonyms:
None
CEFR Practice Quiz
After running for an hour, his forehead was covered with heavy ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
After the long run in the summer heat, his shirt was soaked with ____.
Word Origin & History
Borrowed from late Middle French perspiration, from perspirer (“perspire”), from Latin perspirare (“to blow or breathe constantly”), from per (“through”) + spirare (“to breathe, blow”). Morphologically perspire + -ation.
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"Genius is 1 per cent. inspiration and 99 per cent. perspiration."
— 1910, Frank Lewis Dyer, Thomas Commerford Martin, quoting Thomas Edison, Edison: His Life and Inventions, volume II, New York: Harper & Brothers, page 607:
"Passing his hand across his forehead he withdrew it, wet with drops of perspiration."
— 1897, Marie Corelli, “Chapter II”, in Ziska: The Problem of a Wicked Soul, New York: Stone & Kimball, page 58:
Explore More C1 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
After running for an hour, his forehead was covered with heavy ____.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
After the long run in the summer heat, his shirt was soaked with ____.