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Arable Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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arable

[ˈærəbl ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

land cultivation

Suitable for growing crops; cultivable. Arable land is characterized by its ability to support the growth of crops such as wheat, corn, and barley.

Synonyms

cultivable, fertile, productive.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
arable

Use when discussing land that is suitable for growing crops. Typically used in agricultural or farming contexts.

  • The farmers were happy to find a large area of arable land near the river.
  • Arable farming is the primary occupation in this region.
cultivable

Best used when describing land that can be tilled or cultivated to grow crops. Often used in a technical or scientific context.

  • This region has a lot of cultivable land, making it ideal for agricultural development.
  • The soil tests confirmed that the area is cultivable.
fertile

Use when referring to soil that is rich in nutrients and capable of supporting abundant plant growth. Commonly used in both agricultural and gardening contexts.

  • The farmers chose this area because of its fertile soil.
  • Fertile land is essential for a productive harvest.
productive

Use to describe land or soil that yields a significant quantity of crops. Often used in a broader context that may also include industrial and economic productivity.

  • The valley has been extremely productive for the past decade.
  • Investment in irrigation technology has made this land more productive.

Examples of usage

  • Farmers prefer arable land for agriculture.
  • The arable fields stretched as far as the eye could see.
Context #2 | Noun

agriculture

Land that is suitable for growing crops. Arable refers to land that is used for farming and agriculture purposes.

Synonyms

cultivated land, farmable land, tilled soil.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
arable

Used to describe land that is suitable for plowing or growing crops. Often used in discussions about agriculture, farming, and land management.

  • The region has a lot of arable land, making it ideal for growing wheat and corn.
  • Farmers are looking for more arable areas to increase their crop production.
cultivated land

Refers to land that has been prepared and used actively for growing crops. It emphasizes that the land is currently being used for agriculture.

  • The valley is full of cultivated land, with fields of tomatoes, beans, and potatoes.
  • Cultivated land requires regular plowing and planting.
farmable land

Describes land that can be used for farming. It is a broad term and can refer to areas that are either in use or have the potential to be used for farming.

  • The main challenge is finding farmable land close to water sources.
  • Much of the farmable land has already been developed for residential use.
tilled soil

Specifically focuses on soil that has been turned and prepared for planting crops. It is more specific than 'land' and refers to the soil itself rather than the entire area.

  • Tilled soil allows for better seed germination and growth of crops.
  • Farmers are careful to maintain the quality of their tilled soil to ensure good harvests.

Examples of usage

  • The government encouraged the use of arable for cultivation.
  • Farmers were eager to expand their arable.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Agriculture

  • Arable land typically requires good drainage and a rich nutrient profile to support diverse crops.
  • Crop rotation is often practiced on arable land to maintain soil fertility and control pests.
  • Globally, arable land constitutes about 10-12% of all land, highlighting the importance of land management.

Environmental Science

  • Arable land can be affected by climate change, leading to challenges in food production.
  • Unsustainable farming practices can lead to soil erosion, decreasing the arability of land over time.
  • The balance between arable land and natural ecosystems is crucial for biodiversity and sustainable agriculture.

Global Perspectives

  • In some countries, arable land is scarce, making efficient agricultural practices essential.
  • Land reform movements often focus on increasing the amount of arable land available to communities.
  • Technological advancements, such as hydroponics, are being explored to maximize food production on limited arable land.

Cultural Significance

  • Historically, civilizations tended to flourish near arable regions, forming the backbone of agrarian societies.
  • Literature often reflects the importance of land; arable regions are associated with prosperity and sustenance.
  • Cultural practices surrounding crop cultivation are deeply rooted in the heritage of many societies, often linked to festivals and traditions.

Origin of 'arable'

Main points about word origin

  • Derived from the Latin word 'arabilis,' meaning 'capable of being plowed,' linking it to farming.
  • The root 'arare' in Latin means 'to plow,' which emphasizes its agricultural use.
  • The word has been used in English since the 15th century, reflecting its long connection to farming.

The word 'arable' originated from the Latin word 'arabilis', meaning 'suitable for cultivation'. It has been used in English since the late 15th century to describe land that is capable of being plowed and used to grow crops. Arable land has been essential for agriculture and food production throughout history, playing a crucial role in the development of civilizations.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,972, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.