headwork

Brainpower at work

Headwork is mental labor as opposed to physical work—the thinking, planning, and problem-solving required for a task: The job involves more headwork than heavy lifting.

The term emphasizes cognitive effort, often in contrast to manual labor or handwork.

cognitive

thinking

Mental reasoning process

reasoningDrawing logical conclusions
problem-solvingAddressing challenges methodically
brainstormingGenerating many ideas freely

analysis · ideation · conceptualization · cognition · insight · comprehension · synthesis · abstraction · logic · deduction

intellectual

scholarship

Educational funding or erudition

eruditionExtensive scholarly knowledge
philosophyStudy of fundamental truths
knowledgeUnderstood facts and skills

wisdom · expertise · acumen · intelligence · genius · intellect · sagacity · learnedness · studiousness · research

architecture

keystone

Arch's central locking stone

corniceOrnamental upper trim
lintelBeam over an opening
architraveLowest entablature element

entablature · capital · frieze · pediment · ornament · carving · tracery · molding · scrollwork · relief

effort

concentration

Sustained single-minded attention

focusConcentrated attention point
strainExcessive stretching force
exertionVigorous physical effort

application · diligence · perseverance · intensity · dedication · commitment · toil · labor · grind · attention

Opposites

type of labor

headworkmanual labor

Work done bodily

handwork · bodywork · manual work · heavy lifting · legwork

effort and engagement

headworkmindlessness

Lack of awareness

busywork · autopilot

Family

work, head, worker, working, headache, homework, worked, rework, workable

Familiarity: Top 500,000
Profile: Used worldwide · Timeless · Rated G