Furrowed: meaning, definitions and examples

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furrowed

 

[ˈfʌroʊd ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

describing a facial expression

Having deep lines or wrinkles on the forehead, often indicating worry, concentration, or displeasure.

Synonyms

creased, wrinkled.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
furrowed

Typically used to describe a feature on the face, especially the forehead, that signifies deep thought, concern, or concentration.

  • He furrowed his brow in confusion as he read the instructions.
  • She furrowed her eyebrows, deep in thought.
wrinkled

Used to describe lines or small folds that appear on skin, especially due to aging. It can also refer to fabric or other materials that have become crumpled.

  • Her wrinkled hands showed the signs of a long life.
  • He wore a wrinkled shirt that hadn't been ironed.
creased

Commonly used to describe lines or folds in fabric, paper, or other materials that have been pressed or bent. It can also refer to facial lines but is less common in this context.

  • The shirt was neatly creased from being folded in the drawer.
  • She smoothed out the creased paper before handing it over.

Examples of usage

  • Her furrowed brow showed her concern for the situation.
  • He looked at her with a furrowed expression, trying to understand what she was saying.
Context #2 | Verb

describing land or soil

To make a long, narrow trench in the ground, typically using a plow or other farming tool.

Synonyms

cultivate, plow, till.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
furrowed

Use when describing something that has been grooved or has lines, often used for fields or even facial expressions to describe wrinkles.

  • The farmer's brow was furrowed from years of working in the sun.
  • The garden soil was furrowed to plant the seeds.
plow

Use when discussing the act of turning over the soil before planting crops, often with specialized machinery.

  • After the winter snow melted, the farmer had to plow the field to prepare it for planting.
  • They used a large tractor to plow through the tough soil.
till

Use when referring to the preparation of land by turning over the soil, similar to plowing but often done on a smaller scale.

  • They decided to till the small garden by hand.
  • It's important to till the soil properly before planting new vegetables.
cultivate

Use when referring to the process of preparing and using land for crops and gardening, or to develop something, like a skill or relationship.

  • The farmer decided to cultivate the land before planting the new crops.
  • She worked hard to cultivate a friendly relationship with her new neighbors.

Examples of usage

  • The farmer furrowed the field in preparation for planting crops.
  • She furrowed the soil with precision, ensuring straight lines for the garden.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word comes from the Old English 'furw' meaning a trench or ditch, showing its connection to the idea of grooves.
  • It has roots in Proto-Germanic languages, relating to furrows made in soil when farming.
  • Over time, the meaning expanded from farming to describe facial expressions.

Psychology

  • Furrowed brows are often associated with emotions like worry, concentration, or deep thought, demonstrating how facial expressions communicate feelings.
  • Using facial expressions, like a furrowed brow, can influence how others perceive our mood and intentions.
  • Psychological studies show that people can often read emotions from subtle cues in our facial features, including furrows.

Art

  • Many artists, like Rembrandt, used furrowed faces to convey emotions and the passage of time in their portraiture.
  • Furrows in art can symbolize struggle, age, and wisdom, often seen in sculptures from ancient cultures.
  • The depiction of furrows has influenced styles in various artistic movements, showcasing the human experience through age lines.

Literature

  • In literature, a character's furrowed brow might be used to signify tension or conflict, adding depth to storytelling.
  • Famous poets, like Robert Frost, frequently include imagery of furrows to represent life's hardships and labor.
  • Furrows appear in many classic novels as a metaphor for characters’ emotional struggles and the burdens they carry.

Pop Culture

  • In films, a furrowed brow is often used as a quick visual cue to convey a character's worry or determination.
  • Animation techniques often emphasize furrowed brows to create comedic or dramatic effects in character expressions.
  • Celebrities sometimes use the term 'furrowed' in both serious tones or light-hearted references, particularly about age or stress.

Translations

Translations of the word "furrowed" in other languages:

🇵🇹 franzido(a)

🇮🇳 झुर्रियों वाला

🇩🇪 gerunzelt

🇮🇩 berkerut

🇺🇦 зморщений

🇵🇱 pomarszczony

🇯🇵 しわのある

🇫🇷 froncé(e)

🇪🇸 fruncido(a)

🇹🇷 kırışık

🇰🇷 주름이 있는

🇸🇦 مجعد

🇨🇿 svraštělý

🇸🇰 zvrásnený

🇨🇳 皱纹的

🇸🇮 naguban

🇮🇸 hrukkóttur

🇰🇿 әжімді

🇬🇪 ნაოჭიანი

🇦🇿 qırışmış

🇲🇽 fruncido(a)

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,444, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.