Pluck Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

🌿

Add to dictionary

pluck

[plʌk ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Verb}

harvesting

To pick or gather something, such as fruits, flowers, or feathers, from the source.

Synonyms

collect, gather, harvest, pick.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pluck	Used when removing something quickly or with a small, precise action, often related to pulling something off or out from its source. It can also imply a certain amount of care or delicacy. She plucked a feather from the ground He plucked the strings of the guitar
harvest	Used primarily in agricultural contexts when you take produce or resources that have been grown, often during a specific season. It implies a cycle of growth and collection. The farmers harvest the wheat in the fall We harvested apples from the orchard
pick	Used when choosing or selecting something carefully or when removing something one by one, such as fruits or flowers. It can have a leisurely or meticulous connotation. She picked strawberries from the bush He picked the best option available
gather	Used when bringing things together from different places, and can imply a more informal or casual act of bringing people or items together. It can also imply less precision compared to 'collect'. They gathered wildflowers from the field We will gather around the campfire in the evening
collect	Used when gathering items from various places into one place, often implying a systematic or organized approach. This can refer to physical objects, data, information, etc. She collects stamps from around the world They collected data for their research project

Examples of usage

Farmers pluck ripe apples from the trees.
She plucked a rose from the garden.
The hunter plucked feathers from the bird he shot.

^{Context #2 | Verb}

removing

To remove something quickly and with a firm pull.

Synonyms

extract, pull, tug, yank.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
pluck	Use this when removing something quickly and carefully, especially when it is small or delicate. Often used with feathers or small items. She plucked a flower from the garden He plucked a gray hair from his head
pull	A general term for applying force to move something towards oneself or in a particular direction, often used in everyday situations. He pulled the door open She pulled the rope to bring the boat towards the dock
yank	This is used when pulling something suddenly and with a lot of force. It often has a negative connotation due to the abruptness and potential for causing damage. He yanked the cable out of the socket She yanked the door open
tug	Use this when you are pulling something with effort and often in short, sharp pulls. Usually implies difficulty or resistance. She tugged at her sleeve nervously The dog tugged on the leash
extract	This is appropriate when removing something that is embedded or needs to be taken out carefully, often used in scientific or formal contexts. The dentist extracted the tooth The scientist extracted DNA from the sample

Examples of usage

She plucked the stray hair from her eyebrow.
He plucked a guitar string.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Music

In music, 'pluck' refers to using fingers to play string instruments like a guitar or harp.
Plucking strings produces a distinct sound, different from strumming, emphasizing clarity and rhythm.
Plucking techniques vary across cultures, influencing the musical style and sound - for instance, in traditional Chinese string instruments like the guzheng.

Botany

In gardening, to 'pluck' fruits or vegetables means harvesting them by pulling them off the plant.
Correct plucking at the right time ensures fruits grow better and prevents spoilage.
Different plants may require specific methods for an effective pluck without damaging the rest of the crop.

Cultural References

'Pluck' is commonly associated with bravery or determination, often used in phrases like 'pluck up courage'.
In the world of sports, players need to show pluck, meaning they should be persistent and brave during competition.
Some literary characters are defined by their pluck, showcasing their resilience and ability to overcome challenges.

Psychology

The act of plucking can also be symbolic of making quick decisions, often needing confidence and risk-taking.
Lower levels of 'pluck' in a person can sometimes relate to feelings of fear or uncertainty.
Understanding one's ability to 'pluck' can reveal insights into their coping mechanisms and how they handle stress.

Origin of 'pluck'

Main points about word origin

The word 'pluck' comes from the Old English 'pluccian', meaning to pull or gather.
In Middle English, 'plucchen' was used to describe the act of pulling out feathers from birds.
The change in spelling and pronunciation reflects its evolution through languages over centuries.

The word 'pluck' originated from Middle English 'plukken', which came from Old English 'pluccian', meaning to pull or pluck. The sense of harvesting or gathering comes from the idea of picking fruits or flowers by hand. Over time, the word has evolved to encompass various meanings related to pulling or collecting things quickly and with force.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,855, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
14852 disproportionately
14853 freer
14854 succumbed
14855 pluck
14856 moan
14857 mingle
14858 aberration
...