WordValebelabor
to argue a point at excessive length
In more detail
1. (verb) to spend too much time and effort discussing or explaining something that is already clear or understood
2. (verb) to attack or criticize someone persistently and harshly
Examples
- 1. The speaker belabored the point about climate change even though everyone already understood it.
- 2. The opposition candidate spent the entire debate belaboring the mayor's past mistakes.
How to use belabor
Belabor is used primarily to criticize someone for spending excessive effort on something trivial or already obvious. It can also mean to attack or criticize harshly and repeatedly. The word carries a negative judgment about the redundancy or harshness involved.
Common phrases
- belabor the point
- belabor an issue
- belabor the obvious
- belabor someone with criticism
Synonyms
overemphasize · belabor the point · dwell on · harp on · labor
Opposites
gloss over · pass over
Word family
labored · labor
A common mistake
Learners sometimes confuse belabor with 'elaborate' or mistakenly use it to mean simply 'to explain thoroughly' without the negative connotation of unnecessary repetition or harsh criticism.
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