barren
|bar-ren|
C1
/ˈbærən/
unproductive state
Etymology
Etymology Information
'barren' originates from Old French, specifically the word 'barain', where 'bar-' meant 'bare' or 'empty'.
Historical Evolution
'barain' transformed into the Middle English word 'barain', and eventually became the modern English word 'barren'.
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'bare or empty', but over time it evolved into its current meanings of 'infertile' or 'unproductive'.
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
(of land) too poor to produce much or any vegetation.
The barren desert stretched for miles.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:39