labora

Labora is a Latin term meaning “to work” and appears in several grammatical forms of the verb laborare, the first conjugation verb meaning to work. In classical Latin, labora specifically serves as the second-person singular present imperative: labora! translates as “Work!” It is used to give a direct command. The verb laborare yields a full set of forms, including laboro (I work), laboras (you work), laborat (he/she/it works), laboramus (we work), laboratis (you all work), and laborant (they work). The imperative singular is therefore labora, while the plural is laborate.

In addition to its use as an imperative, labora forms part of common Latin phrases and mottos. The best-known example is ora et labora, meaning “pray and work.” This phrase is associated with monastic life, particularly within the Benedictine tradition, and has been adopted by various religious institutions and communities as a succinct summary of their work-prayer ethic.

Across Romance languages, cognate forms related to the same root appear with related meanings. In modern Spanish, labora can be the third-person singular present indicative of laborar (él labora) and can also appear in formal address with usted (usted labora). In other languages that inherited Latin grammar, similar forms may occur with parallel meanings, reflecting the shared origin of labor- concepts such as work and exertion.

Summary: labora is primarily recognized as a Latin imperative meaning “work,” but it also appears in broader linguistic and religious contexts as part of phrases and as a cognate form in Romance languages.