Finesentence mobile logo
Sign in Login / Register

Pluck: meaning, definitions and examples

🌿
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?

arrow down
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?

arrow down
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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "pluck" in other languages:

🇵🇹 arrancar

🇮🇳 उखाड़ना

🇩🇪 zupfen

🇮🇩 memetik

🇺🇦 вищипувати

🇵🇱 szczypać

🇯🇵 摘む (つむ)

🇫🇷 cueillir

🇪🇸 arrancar

🇹🇷 koparmak

🇰🇷 뽑다

🇸🇦 اقتلاع

🇨🇿 vytrhnout

🇸🇰 vytrhnúť

🇨🇳 拔 (bá)

🇸🇮 trgati

🇮🇸 rífa

🇰🇿 жұлу

🇬🇪 გამოღება

🇦🇿 qopartmaq

🇲🇽 arrancar

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.