menial
2 synonyms and 2 antonyms for menial, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Describing unskilled, low-status work, especially the kind of routine tasks a servant would do.
Synonyms
Less common
Still standard English, but they carry more weight.
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
Antonyms
How to use menial
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
menial job
menial task
menial labour
Often used with a slightly dismissive or negative tone, implying the work is beneath someone.
Etymology
From Anglo-Norman mesnal, from maisnee ("household"), ultimately from Latin mānsiō ("house") — the same root that gives us "mansion."
Full origin of menial →Frequently asked questions
What does “menial” mean?
The word “menial” means describing unskilled, low-status work, especially the kind of routine tasks a servant would do. In plain terms, low-skilled, unglamorous work, or (older use) a servant.
How do you pronounce “menial”?
“Menial” is pronounced MEE-nee-uhl (/ˈmiːni.əl/ in IPA).
How do you use “menial” in a sentence?
Here is “menial” used in a sentence: “He took a menial job stacking shelves while he studied at night.”
What part of speech is “menial”?
Depending on how it is used, “menial” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “menial” come from?
The word “menial” comes from Latin. From Anglo-Norman mesnal, from maisnee ("household"), ultimately from Latin mānsiō ("house") — the same root that gives us "mansion.".
How many meanings does “menial” have?
“Menial” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: describing unskilled, low-status work, especially the kind of routine tasks a servant would do.
