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Sowed Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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sowed

[soสŠd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

agriculture practice

Sowed is the past tense of the verb 'sow,' which means to plant seeds in the ground for crops. It is an essential step in agriculture as it initiates the growth process of plants. Farmers typically sow seeds in rows or in a specific pattern to optimize space and yield. The term can also apply to scattering or spreading something, like sowing ideas or feelings.

Synonyms

broadcast, plant, scatter.

Examples of usage

  • Last spring, I sowed carrots in our garden.
  • They sowed the fields with wheat for the harvest.
  • He carefully sowed the seeds to ensure even growth.
  • After the frost, she sowed her flower seeds.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Agriculture

  • Sowing seeds is often the first step in farming, which plays a vital role in food production around the world.
  • There are different methods of sowing, such as broadcasting (spreading seeds by hand) and drilling (placing seeds in rows), each impacting plant growth differently.

Literature

  • The concept of sowing is frequently used as a metaphor in literature, symbolizing beginnings or the results of one's actions.
  • In poetry, 'sowing' can represent hope, nurture, and the potential of future outcomes, as seen in works that discuss planting dreams or aspirations.

Cultural Significance

  • Many cultures celebrate the beginning of the planting season with festivals, emphasizing the importance of sowing in their agricultural practices.
  • In some societies, the act of sowing is tied to spiritual significance, seen as a way to honor the earth and ensure a bountiful harvest.

Environmental Science

  • Sowing cover crops is a technique in sustainable agriculture that helps protect soil health and reduce erosion.
  • The timing of sowing seeds can affect biodiversity in ecosystems, making it critical for maintaining balance in natural habitats.

Origin of 'sowed'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'sowed' comes from the Old English word 'sฤwian,' which means to scatter seeds.
  • In English, the past tense of 'sow' is 'sowed,' indicating the action of placing seeds in the ground has already happened.

The word 'sow' originates from the Old English 'sฤwan,' which means to plant seeds. This term has Germanic roots, with similar words appearing in other Germanic languages such as Old High German 'sฤwen' and Dutch 'zaaien.' It has been used in the English language since the early stages of its development, reflecting the agricultural practices of ancient societies. The past tense 'sowed' was formed by following the strong verb conjugation pattern typical of Old English, although 'sow' itself is an irregular verb today. The evolution of the word parallels the importance of agriculture in human civilization, as sowing seeds has been a fundamental practice for sustenance and survival since prehistoric times.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #19,843, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.