Word
sow
/ˈsaʊ/
Irregular verb
Forms
Infinitive
sow
Past
sowed
Past participle
sown / sowed
Definitions
01to plant seeds
B2 · Upper Intermediate
v. to plant seeds in the earth so that they will grow.
v. to scatter or plant seeds in or on the ground for growth. Ambitransitive — may be used with or without a direct object.
“In early spring, the farmers sow the fields with wheat and corn.”
“After the first frost had passed, the gardeners began to sow the wildflower seeds across the meadow to ensure a vibrant summer display.”
02to spread ideas or feelings
C1 · Advanced Literary
v. to spread ideas, feelings, or doubts, especially bad ones.
v. to propagate or spread something, typically an abstract quality like discord or doubt, in a figurative sense.
“His constant lies began to sow doubt among his closest friends.”
“The political agitators sought to sow seeds of division within the community long before the election took place.”
03female pig
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun
n. an adult female pig.
n. an adult female porcine animal, especially one that has had a litter.
“The sow stayed close to her piglets to keep them warm and safe.”
“The farmer separated the mature sow from the rest of the herd to provide a quiet environment for farrowing.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
Usage
The verb is transitive when referring to the seeds or the field, and intransitive when referring to the act of planting.
Pitfall
He sowed the seeds on the ground
He sowed the seeds in the ground
While seeds can be scattered 'on' the surface, 'in' is the standard preposition for planting crops to ensure growth.
Related words
Idioms
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
- アルファベット
- 読み方の一覧 →
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