Agriculture: meaning, definitions and examples

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agriculture

[ˈæɡrɪˌkʌltʃər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

farming practices

Agriculture is the practice of cultivating the land, growing crops, and raising livestock for human consumption.

Synonyms

agronomy, cultivation, farming.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
agriculture	This is a duplicate; hence, the same context applies as the previous 'agriculture' entry. The university offers courses related to agriculture Advancements in agriculture have revolutionized food production
farming	This word is used to describe the activity of growing crops and raising animals for food, primarily on a smaller or family-run basis. She grew up on a family farm and has been involved in farming all her life Organic farming is becoming increasingly popular among health-conscious consumers
cultivation	This term is typically used when talking about the process of preparing and using soil for growing plants. It can also be used metaphorically. The cultivation of tomatoes requires well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight His parents' encouragement led to the cultivation of his interest in science
agronomy	This refers specifically to the scientific study and practice of crop production and soil management. He decided to study agronomy to better understand soil health and crop yields Advances in agronomy have led to more efficient use of resources in farming

Examples of usage

Agriculture plays a vital role in providing food for the growing population.
Modern agriculture relies heavily on machinery and technology.
Agriculture has evolved over centuries to meet the changing needs of society.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

the science or practice of farming

Agriculture involves the study of soil, plants, and animals to improve farming techniques and productivity.

Synonyms

agricultural science, agronomics, farming science.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
agriculture	Use 'agriculture' when referring to the overall practice or industry involving the cultivation of plants and rearing of animals for food, fiber, and other products. The country's economy heavily relies on agriculture. Advancements in technology have significantly improved agriculture.
farming science	Use 'farming science' when discussing the practical and scientific aspects specifically related to farming, including soil health, animal husbandry, and crop production. His thesis focused on advancements in farming science and their impact on crop yields. Farming science has made significant strides in sustainable agriculture practices.
agronomics	Use 'agronomics' when referring to the economics of farm production and the optimization of agricultural processes to maximize efficiency and profit. It often involves the analysis of data to improve farming practices. Agronomics plays a crucial role in ensuring that farms are both profitable and sustainable. The agronomics of organic farming can be complex and requires careful planning.
agricultural science	Use 'agricultural science' when discussing the study and application of scientific principles and techniques to improve agricultural productivity and sustainability. She is studying agricultural science to develop more efficient farming methods. Research in agricultural science has led to the development of drought-resistant crops.

Examples of usage

Students can pursue degrees in agriculture to learn about sustainable farming practices.
The government invests in research to advance agricultural technology.
Agriculture is a multidisciplinary field that combines biology, chemistry, and economics.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

economic sector

Agriculture contributes significantly to the economy through the production and export of agricultural products.

Synonyms

agribusiness, farming industry, rural economy.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
agriculture	General term for the science, art, and practice of cultivating the soil, growing crops, and raising animals for food, fiber, and other products. He studied agriculture at university Sustainable agriculture is essential for feeding the growing population
farming industry	Industry-specific term focusing on the production, management, and sale of farm products, often used in economic discussions. The farming industry faces many challenges due to climate change Innovation is key to the success of the farming industry
agribusiness	Refers to the business sector encompassing farming and farming-related commercial activities, including production, processing, and distribution. She works in agribusiness, focusing on the export of organic produce Agribusinesses often invest in advanced farming technologies
rural economy	Broader term that includes all economic activities in rural areas, not limited to agriculture but encompassing other industries such as manufacturing and services. Developing infrastructure is crucial for boosting the rural economy Tourism is making a significant contribution to the rural economy

Examples of usage

The agricultural sector employs millions of people worldwide.
Agriculture is vital for the livelihoods of rural communities.
The government supports agriculture through subsidies and incentives.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'agri', meaning 'field', and 'cultura', meaning 'cultivation'.
It's been used in English since the 15th century to describe farming practices.

History

Agriculture began around 10,000 years ago, leading to the rise of ancient civilizations.
The Fertile Crescent, a region in the Middle East, is considered one of the cradles of agriculture.
Crop domestication, like wheat and barley, allowed humans to settle and form communities.

Science

Soil health is vital; healthy soil can support diverse plants, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.
Plant breeding and genetic modification have advanced agricultural practices, improving yields and disease resistance.
Sustainable agriculture focuses on minimizing environmental impact while maintaining productivity.

Technology

Modern agriculture uses machinery like tractors, which have drastically reduced the manual labor needed.
Precision farming employs GPS technology to optimize field-level management regarding crop farming.
Drones are now used to monitor crop health and optimize irrigation and pesticide application.

Cultural Impact

Agricultural practices vary widely around the world, influencing cultural festivals and traditions.
Food security and agricultural policies can have significant social and political ramifications in communities.
The Farm-to-Table movement emphasizes local sourcing of food, impacting consumer habits and restaurant menus.

Translations

Translations of the word "agriculture" in other languages:

🇵🇹 agricultura

🇮🇳 कृषि

🇩🇪 Landwirtschaft

🇮🇩 pertanian

🇺🇦 сільське господарство

🇵🇱 rolnictwo

🇯🇵 農業

🇫🇷 agriculture

🇪🇸 agricultura

🇹🇷 tarım

🇰🇷 농업

🇸🇦 الزراعة

🇨🇿 zemědělství

🇸🇰 poľnohospodárstvo

🇨🇳 农业

🇸🇮 kmetijstvo

🇮🇸 landbúnaður

🇰🇿 ауыл шаруашылығы

🇬🇪 მეურნეობა

🇦🇿 kənd təsərrüfatı

🇲🇽 agricultura

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,169, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.

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2166 qualified
2167 display
2168 flight
2169 agriculture
2170 decline
2171 probability
2172 zero
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