operose

[ op-uh-rohs ]

adjective

1. industrious, as a person.
2. done with or involving much labor.

operose

/ ˈɒpəˌrəʊs /

adjective

1. laborious
2. industrious; busy

Derived Forms

• ˈoperˌoseness, noun
• ˈoperˌosely, adverb

Other Words From

• oper·osely adverb
• oper·oseness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of operose¹

First recorded in 1530–50; from Latin operōsus “busy, active,” equivalent to oper- (stem of opus ) “work” + -ōsus -ose ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of operose¹

C17: from Latin operōsus painstaking, from opus work

Example Sentences

The common Scotch saying, on the sight of anything operose and finical, “he must have had little to do that made that!”

From Project Gutenberg

But it is a most awkward, operose, and defective piece of machinery, quite unworthy of being presented to my readers.

From Project Gutenberg

On the above-described operose and preposterous process, it is needless to make any remarks.

From Project Gutenberg

Operose assequuntur qu volunt, anxii tenent qu assecuti sunt; the word consequuntur would be too weak.

From Project Gutenberg

An operose and expensive establishment of a Supreme Court was made, and charged upon the revenues of the country.

From Project Gutenberg