Sprig Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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sprig
[sprɪɡ ]
Definitions
small plant
A sprig is a small stem with leaves or flowers, especially one that has been picked from a plant or tree.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sprig |
Typically used to refer to a small stem or a shoot, often with leaves or flowers, and is often used in the context of herbs or small plants.
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| twig |
Refers to a very small, thin branch or stick from a tree or bush, and is generally the smallest part compared to branches and shoots.
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| shoot |
Used to describe a young branch or new growth on a plant. It is often used when talking about plants that are in the early stages of growth.
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| branch |
Refers to a larger, more substantial part of a tree that grows out from the trunk or from a bough. Suitable for discussing trees, larger plants, or even organizational structures.
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Examples of usage
- She tucked a sprig of rosemary into her hair.
- The cake was decorated with a sprig of fresh mint.
decorative element
A sprig can also refer to a small decorative piece in the shape of leaves or flowers, often used in crafting or as a design element.
Synonyms
decoration, embellishment, ornament.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sprig |
A small, usually stemmed, part of a plant with leaves, flowers, or berries. Commonly used in cooking or floral arrangements.
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| ornament |
A decorative object, especially one used for holidays or special occasions, which can be either fancy or simple. Can sometimes imply extravagance.
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| embellishment |
An added detail to make something more attractive, but sometimes seen as unnecessary and overly ornate in a negative sense.
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| decoration |
Any item or arrangement meant to enhance the appearance of something, often used during festive or formal situations.
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Examples of usage
- She sewed a sprig of lace onto the dress.
- The china plates were adorned with a delicate sprig pattern.
to shoot forth new growth
As a verb, sprig means to shoot forth new growth, especially in the context of plants or trees.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| sprig |
Use this word when referring to a small branch or twig, especially one used for decoration or cooking.
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| grow |
This is a general term suitable for describing the process of increasing in size, number, or importance, applicable to plants, people, businesses, and more.
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| bloom |
This word is best used when describing the flowering phase of a plant. It can also be metaphorically used to describe someone or something flourishing or developing beautifully.
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| flourish |
Flourish is used to describe something growing or developing in a healthy or vigorous way. It can apply to both plants and other situations, like businesses or talents.
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Examples of usage
- The tree sprigged with new leaves in the spring.
- The flowers sprigged in all directions after the rain.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Culinary Uses
- Sprigs of herbs like rosemary and thyme are often used in cooking to add flavor to dishes.
- In cocktails, a mint sprig is a common garnish that adds both aroma and visual appeal.
- Some dishes, like soups and sauces, can gain a fresh taste simply by adding a sprig of a related herb during cooking.
Botanical Significance
- A sprig is crucial for plant reproduction; it can grow roots and create new plants through a process called propagation.
- Different plants produce sprigs in different seasons; spring is often when many young sprigs first appear.
- Sprigs can also be identified by their leaves; some sprigs may have distinctive colors or forms that help in identifying the plant species.
Cultural References
- In some cultures, a sprig of mistletoe is hung during winter holidays, symbolizing love and friendship.
- Floral arrangements often use sprigs of flowers to create texture and movement in their designs.
- Sprigged patterns in textiles and art signify nature and growth, reflecting the beauty of small details.
Origin of 'sprig'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Middle English word 'sprigge', which means a young shoot or a twig.
- It has roots in the Old Norse word 'spriga', indicating a connection to something that grows or springs up.
- The term has been used since the 16th century, representing small plant parts used in cooking and decoration.
The word 'sprig' originated from Middle English 'sprigge', which meant a shoot or twig. It is related to the Old Norse 'sprok' and the Middle Low German 'sprick'. The usage of 'sprig' has evolved over time to encompass both botanical and decorative meanings, reflecting its diverse applications in language and culture.