Harvesting: meaning, definitions and examples

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harvesting

[ˈhɑːrvɪstɪŋ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

agricultural activity

Harvesting is the process of gathering a ripe crop from the fields. It involves cutting, gathering, threshing, and winnowing the grain or fruit. This crucial stage in farming ensures that the produce is collected at the right time to maximize yield and quality.

Synonyms

collecting, gathering, reaping.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
harvesting	Typically used in agricultural settings to describe the act of gathering mature crops from the fields. Farmers are busy harvesting the wheat this season. The apple orchard is ready for harvesting.
gathering	Often used to describe bringing people or things together for a purpose or event. Families are gathering for the annual reunion. They are gathering signatures for the petition.
reaping	Used in a metaphorical sense to describe gaining rewards or suffering consequences from previous actions. Can be perceived negatively if the consequences are bad. You reap what you sow. She is reaping the benefits of her hard work over the years.
collecting	Used in various contexts to describe the act of bringing together items or data from different places. She enjoys collecting stamps from different countries. The researcher is collecting data for the new study.

Examples of usage

The farmers were busy harvesting the wheat in the fields.
After months of hard work, it was finally time for harvesting the apples from the orchard.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

technology

Harvesting can also refer to the process of collecting renewable resources, such as solar energy or rainwater, using specialized equipment or techniques. This modern approach aims to harness natural resources efficiently and sustainably.

Synonyms

collecting, gathering, reaping.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
harvesting	Typically used in the context of agriculture where crops or plants are being gathered. Farmers start harvesting wheat in the early summer. The apple orchard was ready for harvesting.
collecting	Used for gathering a variety of items or data, often in an organized way. Can be used in both casual and formal contexts. She enjoys collecting stamps from different countries. The researchers are collecting data for their study.
reaping	Used in agricultural contexts similar to harvesting, but also has a metaphorical usage about receiving rewards or consequences. The farmers are reaping the corn fields. He is reaping the benefits of his hard work.
gathering	Often used for bringing people or things together, generally in an informal setting. Can also refer to collecting information. We are gathering at the park for a picnic. He was gathering notes for his presentation.

Examples of usage

The company implemented a new system for harvesting rainwater to reduce water consumption.
Many households are investing in solar panels for harvesting solar energy.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

activity

As a verb, harvesting means to gather or collect a crop from the fields. It involves the physical act of cutting and gathering the ripe produce for consumption or further processing.

Synonyms

collecting, gathering, reaping.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
harvesting	Same as above: Typically used in agricultural settings when crops are picked and collected. The farmers started harvesting the wheat in early September. They are harvesting apples from the orchard this week.
gathering	Often used when bringing people or objects together in one place, usually in a more informal sense. They are gathering around the campfire to tell stories. She is gathering her books before heading to class.
reaping	Frequently used in agricultural contexts, but can also mean receiving the results of one's actions, either positive or negative. The farmers are reaping the benefits of their hard work with an abundant crop. You will be reaping the rewards of your efforts soon.
collecting	Used in general situations when items are brought together from different places. She enjoys collecting vintage stamps. He is collecting data for his research project.

Examples of usage

The farmers were busy harvesting the corn before the rain arrived.
We will start harvesting the grapes early in the morning.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

The word 'harvest' comes from the Old English 'hærfest', meaning 'autumn' or 'the time of gathering'.
Ancient cultures held festivals to celebrate the harvest, giving thanks for a bountiful crop.
The first written records of harvest practices date back to around 8000 BC in the Fertile Crescent.

Cultural Significance

Many cultures have harvest festivals, such as Thanksgiving in America, which celebrates the fall harvest.
In Japan, the 'Kanname-sai' festival is dedicated to the gods, thanking them for a successful rice harvest.
The harvest season varies around the world, often aligning with climate and agricultural practices.

Science

The timing of harvesting is crucial for maximizing yield, often determined by changes in color, texture, and moisture of crops.
Some plants, like tomatoes, continue to ripen after being picked, while others do not.
Many modern methods involve technology, such as drones, to monitor crop health and optimize harvesting.

Economics

Harvesting is vital for the economy as it directly impacts supply chains for food production and sustainability.
With the rise of global trade, harvested goods can be shipped across the world, affecting local and international markets.
Seasonal harvesting raises issues about labor, with many regions relying on migrant workers during peak seasons.

Art and Literature

Harvesting has inspired countless works of art, symbolizing abundance and the cyclical nature of life.
Novelists often depict the harvest as a time of community bonding, where families and friends gather to work together.
In the painting 'The Harvesters' by Jean-François Millet, the focus is on the laborers, highlighting the dignity of their work.

Translations

Translations of the word "harvesting" in other languages:

🇵🇹 colheita

🇮🇳 कटाई

🇩🇪 Ernte

🇮🇩 panen

🇺🇦 збирання врожаю

🇵🇱 żniwa

🇯🇵 収穫

🇫🇷 récolte

🇪🇸 cosecha

🇹🇷 hasat

🇰🇷 수확

🇸🇦 حصاد

🇨🇿 sklizeň

🇸🇰 zber

🇨🇳 收割

🇸🇮 žetev

🇮🇸 uppskeru

🇰🇿 жин жинау

🇬🇪 მოსავლის აღება

🇦🇿 məhsul yığımı

🇲🇽 cosecha

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,691 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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7688 lawn
7689 vitality
7690 ascending
7691 harvesting
7692 bestowed
7693 grouping
7694 explanatory
...