barren
English meaning: Barren
Definition
Describing land that is so poor that few or no plants can grow on it.
Example
“Nothing but rocks and dust covered the barren hillside where no plants could survive.”
Another example: “After hours of barren discussion, the meeting ended with no decision at all.”
Usage — When, Where & How
An adjective describing infertile land, and figuratively something empty, dull, or unproductive ('barren discussions'). Can also describe a woman or animal unable to bear young, though this use is now dated and sensitive.
Etymology & Origin
English — Origin & History
From Old French 'baraigne', sterile, of uncertain origin.
Related Words
Common Collocations
- barren land
- barren desert
- barren landscape
- barren soil
- barren wilderness
Word Forms
barren (adj); barrenness (n)
Word Tools
Tools & Calculators
Literary Heritage
“To thine own self be true, and it must follow, as the night the day, thou canst not then be false to any man.”
/To thine own self be true/
“Be honest with yourself — and as naturally as night follows day, you will be unable to be false to others.”
“I'm nobody! Who are you? Are you nobody, too?”
/I'm nobody! Who are you?/
“I am nobody — and that quiet anonymity is more honest than the noise of public fame.”
Images
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Language information
- Language
- English
- English
- Script
- Latin
- Family
- Indo-European
- Speakers
- 1.5B