Part of Speech

Verb

Pronunciation

/ˈkɑːkɪŋ/

Definitions

1. (archaic) To worry, trouble, or distress, especially in a physical or emotional sense.

2. (obsolete) To burden or strain with anxiety or fatigue.

Usage Examples

• The constant demands at work were carking him, leaving him exhausted.
• The carking worries of the future clouded her thoughts.
• His mind was filled with carking thoughts about the upcoming exam.

Etymology

The word "carking" comes from the Middle English term "carken," meaning to trouble or burden. It has roots in Old French, where "carquiner" meant to harass. The term was commonly used in literature during the 14th and 15th centuries but has largely fallen into disuse in modern English.

Synonyms

• Worrying
• Distressing
• Burdening
• Troubling
• Stressful

Antonyms

• Relaxing
• Comforting
• Calming
• Soothing
• Relieving

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• In British English, "carking" is pronounced with emphasis on the first syllable: /ˈkɑːkɪŋ/.
• In American English, the pronunciation is very similar, but the word is scarcely used in everyday language.

Historical Usage

The term "carking" was once commonly used in Middle English literature to describe the emotional and physical burden of anxiety and worry. It was more frequently seen in poetry, plays, and prose of the 14th and 15th centuries. Over time, the word faded from the English language, with modern synonyms like "worry" and "stress" replacing it in common use.

Cultural Nuances

The word "carking" reflects a historical understanding of the burden of mental and physical strain. It was often used to describe the toll that external pressures—such as work, family, and societal expectations—could take on an individual. While the word is largely obsolete today, its cultural significance remains relevant in discussions of stress and anxiety in modern life.

More Information

"Carking" is considered an archaic term, but it serves as an example of how language evolves. Today, people still experience the same burdens and worries, but they use words like "stress," "anxiety," and "burden" to describe them. The word's historical usage adds depth to our understanding of emotional strain in past societies, offering insights into the language of older English literature.

While the term has largely been abandoned, the concept it represents is timeless, echoing the universal human experience of dealing with life’s worries and challenges.