Plantation: meaning, definitions and examples

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plantation

 

[plรฆnหˆteษชสƒษ™n ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

agriculture

A large farm or estate where crops are grown for sale, often in tropical or subtropical regions.

Synonyms

estate, farm, ranch.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plantation

Used for large agricultural estates where crops like coffee, sugar, tea, or cotton are cultivated, especially in tropical or subtropical regions. This term can have historical connotations tied to colonialism and slavery, particularly in American contexts.

  • The old plantation was turned into a museum highlighting its history.
  • They visited a tea plantation during their trip to India.
farm

Refers to a tract of land where crops are grown and livestock is raised for food, commerce, or recreation. This term is the most general and can apply to both small family-owned plots and larger commercial enterprises.

  • They grew up on a small dairy farm in rural Wisconsin.
  • Every summer, they visited the farm to help with the harvest.
estate

Usually refers to a large piece of land that includes residential structures and often includes gardens, forests, or agricultural areas. It suggests a certain level of luxury or grandeur.

  • The sprawling estate included a main house, guest cottages, and extensive gardens.
  • He inherited his grandfather's estate, which covered several acres.
ranch

Typically used in a Western or North American context to describe large-scale cattle or livestock operations. Focuses on the raising and breeding of animals rather than crop cultivation.

  • The ranch stretched for miles, with herds of cattle grazing freely.
  • She enjoyed horseback riding on her family's ranch every weekend.

Examples of usage

  • The plantation grew sugarcane and cotton for export.
  • She inherited a coffee plantation in Brazil.
  • The plantation owner hired workers to harvest the crops.
  • The plantation was established in the 18th century.
  • The plantation thrived under the ownership of the wealthy family.
Context #2 | Noun

history

An area in which trees have been planted, especially for commercial purposes or to provide a sustainable source of timber.

Synonyms

forest, grove, woodland.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
plantation

This term is commonly used to describe a large agricultural estate where crops like coffee, tea, rubber, or cotton are cultivated, often in a systematic and commercial manner. It can also sometimes carry historical connotations related to colonialism and exploitation.

  • The coffee plantation covered hundreds of acres.
  • They toured an old plantation that once grew sugar cane.
forest

This word refers to a large area covered chiefly with trees and undergrowth, often untouched or minimally managed by humans. It is used to describe natural and expansive ecosystems.

  • We went hiking in the forest to enjoy the fresh air.
  • The forest was home to many different species of wildlife.
woodland

This word indicates a land area covered with trees and shrubs. It often suggests a more mixed environment than a forest, and can be used in contexts emphasizing a more intimate, possibly personal or local, natural setting.

  • The picnic was held in a nearby woodland.
  • Many creatures live together in the woodland.
grove

This term is typically used to refer to a small group of trees, especially those of the same kind, that are deliberately planted, often in a landscaped or cultivated setting.

  • They sat under the shade of an olive grove.
  • The orange grove was full of ripe fruit ready to be picked.

Examples of usage

  • The government established a pine plantation to support the timber industry.
  • The plantation of oak trees was managed by a forestry company.
  • The plantation of eucalyptus trees helped to reduce deforestation.
  • They invested in a teak plantation for future profits.

Interesting Facts

Historical Origins

  • The term 'plantation' comes from the Latin word 'plantatio', meaning 'to plant' or 'to establish'.
  • In the 17th century, the term began to refer specifically to large agricultural estates in the Americas.
  • Plantations in the United States were pivotal in the production of cash crops like tobacco, sugar, and cotton, impacting the economy significantly.

Cultural Impact

  • Plantations have shaped the socio-economic landscape of various countries, particularly in the southern United States.
  • They are often associated with the history of slavery and the exploitation of labor, as many workers were enslaved Africans.
  • Today, many former plantation sites are preserved as historical museums, educating visitors about their complex legacies.

Environmental Aspects

  • Plantations can lead to deforestation and biodiversity loss as large areas of land are cleared for monoculture crops.
  • However, sustainable plantation practices are being introduced to mitigate environmental impacts.
  • Some plantation systems are being re-assessed for their role in carbon sequestration and ecosystem restoration.

Literature

  • Plantation life has been a central theme in American literature, inspiring works that discuss themes of slavery, agriculture, and morality.
  • Authors like Ernest Gaines and Harper Lee have depicted life on plantations, giving readers insight into the human experiences tied to such settings.
  • Plantations often serve as backdrops in novels dealing with the American South, symbolizing both wealth and oppression.

Modern Perspectives

  • Today, plantations have evolved, and some now focus on organic or sustainable farming methods.
  • Banana and coffee plantations are examples of modern agricultural practices that balance profit and sustainability.
  • Plantations can also play a role in community-supported agriculture initiatives, connecting consumers directly to farmers.

Translations

Translations of the word "plantation" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น plantaรงรฃo

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเคพเค—เคพเคจ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Plantage

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ perkebunan

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะปะฐะฝั‚ะฐั†ั–ั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ plantacja

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ—ใƒฉใƒณใƒ†ใƒผใ‚ทใƒงใƒณ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท plantation

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ plantaciรณn

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท plantasyon

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ํ”Œ๋žœํ…Œ์ด์…˜

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ู…ุฒุฑุนุฉ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ plantรกลพ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ plantรกลพ

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ็งๆคๅ›ญ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ plantacija

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ plantekra

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฟะปะฐะฝั‚ะฐั†ะธั

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒžแƒšแƒแƒœแƒขแƒแƒชแƒ˜แƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ plantasiya

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ plantaciรณn

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,806 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.