What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
laboriously
Example
She laboriously copied the text from the book onto the paper. [laboriously: adverb]
Example
The artist laboriously painted each individual stroke on the canvas. [laboriously: adverb]
strenuously
Example
He strenuously lifted the heavy box onto the shelf. [strenuously: adverb]
Example
The athlete trained strenuously for months to prepare for the competition. [strenuously: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Strenuously is more commonly used than laboriously in everyday language. Strenuously is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while laboriously is less common and tends to be used in more specific situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between laboriously and strenuously?
Both laboriously and strenuously are formal words that are appropriate for use in academic or professional writing. However, strenuously may also be used in informal contexts to describe physical or mental exertion.