Fallow

Part of Speech

Adjective, Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/ˈfæloʊ/

Definitions

• (Adjective) Land left unplowed and unseeded for a period to restore fertility.
• (Noun) Land that is plowed but left unseeded.
• (Verb) To plow but not seed (land), allowing it to rest.

Usage Examples

• The farmers left the field fallow to allow the soil to regain nutrients.
• The fallow land eventually became fertile again.
• They decided to fallow the fields for one season.

Etymology

From Old English "fealu" meaning "pale yellow or brown," later referring to plowed land left unsown.

Synonyms

• Idle
• Uncultivated
• Unproductive

Antonyms

• Fertile
• Productive
• Cultivated

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

American English: /ˈfæloʊ/

British English: /ˈfæləʊ/

Historical Usage

The concept of fallow land dates back to ancient agricultural practices where farmers would leave a portion of their fields unplanted to allow the soil to recover.

Cultural Nuances

In literature, "fallow" is often used metaphorically to describe inactivity or dormancy in creative or intellectual pursuits.

More Information

Fallow is a critical agricultural practice that helps maintain soil fertility and prevent soil erosion. It allows the land to rejuvenate naturally by restoring nutrients and improving soil structure. This method has been used for centuries across different civilizations and remains relevant in sustainable farming today.