Occupation

Definition

Occupation refers to a job or profession, or the action, state, or period of occupying or being occupied by military force.

Parts of Speech

• Noun

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɑk.jəˈpeɪ.ʃən/
• Respelling: OK-yuh-PAY-shuhn (with "OK" as in "okay," "yuh" as in "yuck," "PAY" as in "pay," and "shuhn" as in "mission")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˌɒk.jʊˈpeɪ.ʃən/
• Respelling: OK-yuh-PAY-shuhn (similar to American English, with "OK" as in "okay," "yuh" as in "yuck," "PAY" as in "pay," and "shuhn" as in "mission")

In both dialects, "occupation" places the primary stress on the third syllable, "PAY." The pronunciation remains consistent across both American and British English, focusing on the clear articulation of "OK-yuh-PAY-shuhn."

Etymology

The word "occupation" is derived from the Latin "occupatio," from "occupare" which means "to seize, occupy." It has been in use in English since the 14th century.

Derivatives

• Occupational
• Occupationally
• Occupancy
• Occupant
• Occupy

Synonyms

• Profession
• Job
• Vocation

Antonyms

• Unemployment
• Leisure
• Hobby

Usage

"Occupation" is commonly used to refer to a person's job or profession, but it can also refer to the act of occupying a territory, especially by military forces.

• Her occupation as a doctor requires her to work long hours.
• The military occupation of the region lasted for several years.

Related Terms

• Career
• Employment
• Livelihood

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Job or Profession: The principal activity in someone's life that they do to earn money.‍
• Example: His primary occupation is that of a carpenter.

• Military Seizure: The action, state, or period of occupying or being occupied by military force.‍
• Example: The country faced occupation by foreign troops.

• Activity Engaged in for Enjoyment: An activity or task that a person occupies themselves with.‍
• Example: Gardening is her favorite occupation on weekends.

• Physical Possession: The act of residing in or using a building or other place.‍
• Example: The building is ready for occupation.