What is sow? Pronunciation and usage in English

sow means . Learn how to pronounce and use sow through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of sow

sowverb

/səʊ/
Definition & pronunciation of sow

The word "sow" in English is pronounced like "so" – as in, "soap."

It's a very simple, short vowel sound.

You can hear it pronounced correctly here: https://www.pronounce.fm/sow

Do you want me to break down the sound a bit further, or perhaps give you some examples of how it's used?

Usage and examples with the word sow in English

The word "sow" has a surprising number of meanings! Here’s a breakdown of how to use it, categorized for clarity:

1. Agriculture (Most Common Meaning): Planting Seeds

  • Definition: To plant seeds, especially seeds of grain or vegetables.
  • Example: "She sowed corn in the field." "Farmers sow seeds in the spring." "He sowed the seeds of doubt in her mind."
  • Note: This is the origin of the word and the most common usage.

2. To Breed Animals (Specifically Pigs)

  • Definition: To allow a female pig (a sow) to breed.
  • Example: "The farmer sows his pigs every year to maintain his herd." “The breeder carefully sows his champion lines.”

3. Figurative Usage – To Plant Ideas or Begin Something

  • Definition: To introduce an idea or plan; to begin something that will have consequences later. It's about laying the groundwork.
  • Example: "He sowed the seeds of revolution with his powerful speeches." "By investing in education, they sowed the seeds of a brighter future." “She sowed the seeds of discord amongst the team.”
  • Key Phrase: Often used with "seeds" – "sowing seeds." This emphasizes the idea of starting something with the potential for future growth or impact.

4. (Archaic/Less Common) To Discharge (Liquid)

  • Definition: To pour or dispense (liquid) in a stream. This usage is relatively rare today.
  • Example: “The valve sowed the water into the canal.” (Think of an old-fashioned water pump)

Here’s a table summarizing the different meanings:

Meaning Example
Planting Seeds "She sowed beans in the garden."
Breeding Pigs "The farmer sows his sow."
Planting Ideas "He sowed the seeds of change."
Discharging Liquid (Rare) "The faucet sowed water."

Tips for Using “Sow” Correctly:

  • Context is crucial: Pay close attention to the surrounding words to understand which meaning is intended.
  • "Sow" vs. "Seeding": "Seeding" is often a more common and accessible alternative to "sowing," especially when referring to planting ideas.
  • Don’t confuse with “saw”: These are completely different words!

Would you like me to:

  • Give you more examples of how to use “sow” in specific contexts?
  • Explain the etymology (history) of the word a bit further?

Synonyms for the word sow

Practice with vocabulary sow

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. During the agricultural season, farmers typically ______ seeds in early spring to ensure a good harvest.
  2. The company's leadership must work to ______ trust and collaboration among its diverse departments, rather than allowing misunderstandings to fester.
  3. Effective leaders strive to ______ a positive and productive work environment, where employees feel valued and motivated.
  4. The spokesperson's vague statements seemed designed to ______ confusion about the new policy's immediate impact.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer (select all that apply)

  1. Which of the following words can be used to describe the action of planting seeds in the ground? a) reap b) scatter c) sow d) cultivate

  2. If someone wants to initiate or spread ideas, especially those that might cause trouble or doubt, they might: a) harvest discord b) foster disagreement c) sow mistrust d) plant suspicion

  3. The marketing team decided to ______ a new campaign aimed at increasing brand awareness among younger demographics. a) launch b) initiate c) cultivate d) disseminate

  4. Which actions could potentially lead to widespread doubt or division within an organization? a) Instill confidence b) Sow rumors c) Encourage transparency d) Spread misinformation

  5. After the detailed investigation, the board needed to ______ the findings to all stakeholders, ensuring everyone understood the report. a) propagate b) withhold c) conceal d) distribute

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. Original: The analyst's report inadvertently created suspicion regarding the company's financial practices. Rewrite using "sow" or a related word form:

  2. Original: It's crucial for educators to develop a strong sense of intellectual curiosity in their students. Rewrite using a suitable replacement word (not "sow"):

  3. Original: The farmer prepares the soil carefully before putting the grain into the ground. Rewrite using "sow":

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. During the agricultural season, farmers typically sow seeds in early spring to ensure a good harvest.
  2. The company's leadership must work to foster trust and collaboration among its diverse departments, rather than allowing misunderstandings to fester.
  3. Effective leaders strive to create a positive and productive work environment, where employees feel valued and motivated.
  4. The spokesperson's vague statements seemed designed to sow confusion about the new policy's immediate impact.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) scatter, c) sow
  2. c) sow mistrust, d) plant suspicion
  3. a) launch, b) initiate
  4. b) Sow rumors, d) Spread misinformation
  5. a) propagate, d) distribute

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The analyst's report inadvertently sowed suspicion regarding the company's financial practices.
  2. It's crucial for educators to instill a strong sense of intellectual curiosity in their students.
  3. The farmer prepares the soil carefully before sowing the grain.

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