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Pear Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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pear

[pɛr ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

fruit

A sweet, juicy fruit that is typically green or yellow, narrow at the top and wider at the bottom. It has a thin skin and a core containing seeds.

Synonyms

fruit, pomaceous fruit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pear

Use when specifically referring to the fruit from the pear tree, Pyrus. It is appropriate in culinary contexts or when describing the fruit's physical characteristics.

  • I had a ripe pear for breakfast this morning.
  • Pears are rich in dietary fiber.
fruit

Use when referring to any sweet and fleshy product of a tree or other plant that contains seed and can be eaten as food. It is a general term suitable for discussing categories of food or dietary habits.

  • Eating a variety of fruits is good for your health.
  • Citrus fruits are known for their high vitamin C content.
pomaceous fruit

Use in more formal or scientific contexts when describing fruits from the family Rosaceae, specifically the subfamily Maloideae. It is suitable for botanical discussions or specialized topics.

  • The apple is the most widely known pomaceous fruit.
  • Pomaceous fruits like pears and quinces have a core of several small seeds.

Examples of usage

  • The farmer picked ripe pears from the tree.
  • She sliced a pear and added it to the salad.
  • He enjoyed a refreshing pear smoothie on a hot day.
Context #2 | Noun

shape

A shape that is wider at the bottom and narrower at the top, resembling the fruit.

Synonyms

pear-shaped, teardrop shape.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pear

This refers to the fruit itself, typically used in contexts related to food, gardening, or describing the taste and nutritional aspects of the fruit.

  • I love eating a ripe pear for breakfast.
  • We planted a pear tree in our backyard.
teardrop shape

Often used to describe objects or designs that resemble the shape of a tear, which is narrower at the top and wider at the bottom. It can be used in various contexts like jewelry, design, and anatomy.

  • She wore a teardrop-shaped pendant around her neck.
  • The teardrop shape of the camper van is very aerodynamic.
pear-shaped

This can describe something that has the shape of a pear, but it is also often used in a figurative way to indicate that something has gone wrong or failed. The latter use generally has a negative connotation.

  • The vase has a beautiful pear-shaped design.
  • Everything went pear-shaped after the main speaker canceled.

Examples of usage

  • The dress had a pear silhouette.
  • The vase was in the shape of a pear.
Context #3 | Verb

slang

To hit someone with a fist, usually in the face.

Synonyms

punch, strike.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
pear

Use this word when talking about the fruit, which is sweet and often eaten raw or used in cooking and baking.

  • I ate a juicy pear for breakfast.
  • She made a delicious pear pie.
punch

This word is appropriate when describing a strong hit or blow, usually with a fist. It can also refer to a type of drink. Using it in the context of a hit often has a negative connotation.

  • He threw a punch at the other boxer.
  • We served fruit punch at the party.
strike

This can be used to describe hitting something or someone, often forcefully. It also commonly appears in contexts involving workers' protests or as a term in sports like baseball. It may carry a negative connotation when referring to hitting someone.

  • He struck the ball with great force.
  • The workers went on strike for better wages.

Examples of usage

  • He threatened to pear the bully if he didn't stop.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Culinary Uses

  • In many cultures, pears can be eaten raw, baked, poached, or even made into jams and jellies.
  • Different varieties of pears are best for different dishes, from salads to desserts.

Symbolism

  • In Chinese culture, pears symbolize separation, so it's common to avoid giving them as gifts among loved ones.
  • In art, pears often symbolize sweetness and abundance, being featured in still life paintings.

Botanical Facts

  • Pears belong to the genus Pyrus and are related to apples, which enhances their amazing taste diversity.
  • Most types of pears need a pollinator tree nearby to produce fruit, highlighting their cooperative growth patterns.

Popular Culture

  • The song 'Pearl' by the rock band 'The Rascals' uses the imagery of the fruit to signify beauty and love.
  • 'The Pear Tree' is a famous illustration in children's literature, symbolizing kindness and friendship.

Origin of 'pear'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'pear' comes from the Latin word 'pira', which shows its long history.
  • In medieval times, the word evolved through Old French before becoming 'pear' in English.

The word 'pear' originated from the Latin word 'pirum', which also referred to the fruit. Pears have been cultivated for thousands of years, with evidence of their consumption dating back to ancient times. They are a popular fruit due to their sweet taste and juicy texture. Pears are often used in culinary dishes, desserts, and beverages.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,807, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.