grafter

/ˈɡrɑːf.tər/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈɡræf.tɚ/ (ame, ipa) · /-tə(r)/ (ame, mw)

grafter — noun

  • graftersingular
  • graftersplural

1. a person who puts in long hours of demanding labour without complaining, usually

1.名詞C1
釋義

a person who puts in long hours of demanding labour without complaining, usually praised for steady effort rather than for talent or quick results.

例句

Rin is a real grafter who stays late at the bakery to finish every order.

collocation: a real grafter (the typical praise frame)

The football coach said Omar may not be the most skilful player, but he is a proper grafter.

informal register: 'proper grafter' (British colloquial intensifier)

同義詞
  • workhorse

    more neutral; often used of someone reliable rather than admirable

  • hard worker

    register-neutral and international; fits formal contexts

  • trooper

    informal; emphasises uncomplaining endurance more than long hours

反義詞
  • slacker

    informal; someone who avoids effort

  • shirker

    stronger criticism; someone who deliberately dodges duty

文法句型

a + grafter

real grafter

用法筆記

Subject is usually praised for sustained effort rather than ability; commonly appears in 'a real grafter' or 'a proper grafter' frames. British colloquial — Americans more often say 'hard worker' or 'workhorse'.

常見錯誤

❌She is a grafter at maths.
✅She works hard at maths.
💡'grafter' describes a whole working style, not effort in one subject.
❌He is a talented grafter on the piano.
✅He is a hard-working pianist.
💡'grafter' praises stamina, not talent or skill.