plough - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
plough Word Meanings
- a farming tool used to turn over soil
- to prepare land for planting by turning over the earth
plough Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
plough Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/plaʊ/
US
/plaʊ/
plough Word Etymology
Root: 'plough' (Old English 'plōg') → Historical origin: Proto-Germanic → Old English → Modern English; Memory image: Imagine a farmer guiding a sturdy wooden plough through rich soil, carving out furrows under the warm sun, symbolizing hard work and the cycle of growth.
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
Plough is a traditional farming tool with a curved blade that cuts into the soil and turns it over, creating loosened beds for planting. As a noun, it denotes the implement itself, usually drawn by animals or a tractor. As a verb, to plough means to turn over soil or to push through a field with effort to prepare a seedbed. The term evokes farming seasons, fieldwork, and harvest cycles, and is closely linked to furrows, seeds, and moisture management. A vivid memory image is a farmer guiding a sturdy wooden plough through rich soil under the sun, marking the start of a new growing season. The spelling plough is British; American English often uses plow in the same sense.
Usage Reminders
- Remember the difference between noun and verb; practice with field and seed contexts. Think of furrows and timing. Note region spelling: plough (UK) vs plow (US). Visualize a farmer and a field. Use in historical or literary contexts. Spelling pattern 'ough' can be tricky.
Common Misconceptions
- It only refers to the physical tool and never a concept.
- The word has only one meaning in all contexts.
- Plough and plow are always interchangeable in all regions.
- The verb plough cannot be used in modern farming with a tractor.
- It is exclusively about farming and not used metaphorically.
Thinking Differences
Explain to an English speaker: focus on how plough works as a tangible tool and as a verb describing action in farming; highlight region spelling differences with plow.
Learning Tips
- Create a mental image of a farmer with a wooden plough
- Link plough to furrow and seedbed concepts
- Remember the British spelling with 'ough'
- Practice using plough as noun and verb in sentences
- Compare with plow to reinforce regional usage
- Read historical texts to see plough in context
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'plough'?
A.A tool used for fishing
B.To cook food on a stove
C.A tool for turning soil
D.A type of animal
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses 'plough' correctly?
A.In the field, farmers rely on a plough to prepare the land.
B.The artist used a plough to paint the canvas.
C.She decided to plough her way through the crowded mall.
D.He tried to plough the car into the garage.
Step 3: Similar Words
What is a synonym for 'plough'?
A.Cultivator
B.Harvest
C.Watering can
D.Rake
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is an antonym for 'plough'?
A.Harvest
B.Neglect
C.Destroy
D.Ignore
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life scenario where someone might use 'plough'?
A.The farmer prepared the field with a tool that turns the soil.
B.She was wondering how to plough through the paperwork.
C.He was excited to plough a new route to his destination.
D.They decided to plough the garden with new flowers.
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