furrow - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
furrow Word Meanings
- a long, narrow trench in the ground
- a deep line or wrinkle
- to make grooves in a surface
furrow Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
furrow Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/ˈfʌrəʊ/
US
/ˈfɜːroʊ/
furrow Word Etymology
(', furrow' is decomposed as root '+ furrow', from Old English 'furh', meaning 'a groove or trench'. Historical origin: Old English → Middle English → Modern English. Memory image: Imagine a farmer plowing the field, forming parallel lines or 'furrows', which guide the seeds into the soil, making neat rows in the earth.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Furrow is a word with two broad senses. As a noun, it means a long, narrow trench cut into soil by a plow, used to guide irrigation and planting, and it can also describe a deep line or wrinkle on a surface such as fabric or a forehead. As a verb, to furrow means to make grooves or wrinkles along a surface. The word comes from Old English furh, passing through Middle English to Modern English, and it commonly evokes farming imagery. A memory cue is the farmer plowing straight, parallel furrows, or a brow deeply lined with wrinkles when someone is thinking hard.
Usage Reminders
- Notice the two main senses: field grooves and facial wrinkles. Use furrow as a noun for the trench or as a verb for making lines. Pair with related terms like trench, groove, crease, wrinkle. In farming contexts, describe planting rows by saying ‘the furrows are straight.’ In body expressions, say ‘furrowed brow.’ Don’t confuse with ‘furious’ or ‘furry.’ Keep parallel imagery in mind when teaching. Practice both senses in short examples.
Common Misconceptions
- Furrow only refers to wrinkles on a face, not soil.
- The word means a quick scratch rather than a long trench.
- Confusing furrow with fur or furry in animal descriptions.
- Using furrow to describe straight paths unless it’s a field context.
- Assuming furrow and trench are interchangeable in all technical writing.
Thinking Differences
For English speakers, furrow conjures both fields and faces; teaching benefits from paired farming and anatomy imagery, but avoid overloading with unrelated senses.
Learning Tips
- Create paired images: farming rows vs. facial wrinkles.
- Use furrow with soil verbs (dig, carve) and with wrinkle verbs (crease, scowl).
- Practice both senses in short dialogues.
- Remember the Old English origin to anchor memory.
- Link furrow with related terms: trench, channel, crease, wrinkle.
- Say the word aloud with stress on both syllables to reinforce forms.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What does the word 'furrow' mean?
A.A type of bird
B.A groove or trench, especially in the ground
C.A feeling of happiness
D.An intense emotion
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'furrow' correctly?
A.The farmer plowed the land, creating a furrow in the soil.
B.She decided to furrow the fabric before sewing it.
C.He had a furrow in his smile when he was happy.
D.They furrowed their brows in confusion.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'furrow'?
A.Trench
B.Happy
C.Quick
D.Bright
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'furrow'?
A.Choppy
B.Smooth
C.Deep
D.Narrow
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario where you might encounter 'furrow'?
A.The gardener was pleased with the smoothness of her soil.
B.During the race, he ran fast and won.
C.The farmer skillfully created a furrow for planting seeds.
D.Her laughter echoed throughout the room.
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