barren etymology

Etymology

The word "barren" comes from the Old English word "bearne," which means "unproductive, sterile." It is related to the Old Norse word "barn" and the German word "bar," both of which also mean "unproductive."

Meaning

"Barren" means unable to produce offspring or crops. It can also be used figuratively to describe something that is unproductive or lacking in creativity.

Origin

The word "barren" has been in use in English since the 13th century. It originally referred to land that was unable to support plant growth. Over time, the meaning of the word has expanded to include the inability to produce offspring.

Examples

  • The barren land was unable to support any plant life.
  • The woman was barren and could not conceive children.
  • The artist's mind was barren and he could not create any new works.

barren relate terms

  • barrenness

    Etymology The word barrenness comes from the Middle English word barayne which is

  • barren

    Etymology The word barren comes from the Old English word bearne which means unprod

  • pine barren

    Etymology The term pine barren is derived from the following sources Pine Referring

  • pine

    Etymology The word pine is derived from the Latin word pinus which is believed to h

  • barren

    Etymology The word barren comes from the Old English word bearne which means unprod

  • devoid

    Etymology From Middle English devet devoyde from Old French devoidier from Late Lati

  • free

    Etymology The word free comes from the Old English word freo which in turn derives f

  • innocent

    Etymology The word innocent comes from the Latin word innocens which means harmles

  • geld

    Etymology Old English geald from Proto Germanic geldaz Cognates German Geld Dutch ge

  • sterile

    Etymology The word sterile is derived from the Latin word sterilis which means ba

  • sorrel

    Etymology Old English sure sour diminutive suffix el Meaning A leafy gree

  • lawn

    Etymology The word lawn originates from the Middle English term launde which ultima

  • sweat

    Etymology The word sweat comes from the Old English word swætan which means to per

  • wild

    Etymology The word wild comes from the Old English word wilde which means living in

  • bleak

    Etymology Old English blǣc pale dark black Meaning Unrelievedly depress