Strew: meaning, definitions and examples

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strew

[struː ]

Definition

^{Context #1 | Verb}

on the ground

To scatter or spread things untidily over a surface or area.

Synonyms

disperse, scatter, spread, sprinkle.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
strew	Use for describing something being spread in a disorderly way, often on the ground or over a surface. The children strewed their toys all over the living room. She strewed flower petals along the aisle.
scatter	Implies throwing or dropping things over a wide area, often without a specific pattern. He scattered the ashes into the ocean. The papers were scattered all over the floor.
sprinkle	Best used for describing small amounts of something being lightly and evenly distributed, often related to particles or liquids. She sprinkled sugar on top of the cake. The gardener sprinkled water on the flowers.
spread	Used when something is distributed or applied over an area, or more generally when something increases its reach. She spread the butter on the toast. The news of the event quickly spread through the town.
disperse	Appropriate for describing something being spread out widely in different directions, often used for groups of people or particles. The police ordered the crowd to disperse. The wind helped to disperse the seeds over a large area.

Examples of usage

He strewed the flowers along the path.
The floor was strewn with clothes.
I watched as the leaves strewed across the yard.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word has Old English roots, deriving from 'streowan', which means to scatter.
Related words include 'strewed' (the past tense) and 'strewed about', emphasizing distribution.
The appearance of the word in literature can be traced back to the 14th century, often used in poetic expressions.

Literature

Shakespeare often used the term, reflecting themes of chaos and beauty in his plays.
In poetry, scattering imagery conveys emotions, such as loss, by describing elements strewed across scenes.
Modern authors use 'strew' to depict disorder or to symbolize the dispersal of thoughts and feelings.

Psychology

Scattering physical items can influence mood, often making spaces feel more relaxed or chaotic depending on arrangement.
Psychological studies show that scattering information (like notes) can help with memory retention in learning.
The act of strew can symbolize emotional release, reflecting a cluttering of feelings or memories.

Environmental Science

Responsible strew practices in gardening, like spreading compost, improve soil health and ecosystem balance.
Scattering seeds, known as 'strew planting', can promote biodiversity in reforestation efforts.
Understanding how natural elements are strewed can help in soil erosion prevention techniques.

Culinary Arts

In cooking, to strew spices or herbs can elevate flavors and spread aroma throughout the dish.
Bakers often strew powdered sugar or chocolate on desserts for decoration and added taste.
Strewing ingredients can also refer to the artistic flair in presenting food, enhancing both appeal and enjoyment.

Translations

Translations of the word "strew" in other languages:

🇵🇹 espalhar

🇮🇳 बिखेरना

🇩🇪 streuen

🇮🇩 menabur

🇺🇦 розкидати

🇵🇱 rozrzucać

🇯🇵 まき散らす (makichirasu)

🇫🇷 répandre

🇪🇸 esparcir

🇹🇷 serpmek

🇰🇷 흩뿌리다 (heutppurida)

🇸🇦 نثر

🇨🇿 rozsypat

🇸🇰 rozsypať

🇨🇳 散布 (sànbù)

🇸🇮 raztresati

🇮🇸 dreifa

🇰🇿 себу

🇬🇪 გაფანტვა

🇦🇿 səpələmək

🇲🇽 esparcir

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,360, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.

...
28357 venial
28358 bicentennial
28359 abjure
28360 strew
28361 impostors
28362 rerun
28363 reification
...