How Do You Spell BARREN?

Pronunciation: [bˈaɹən] (IPA)

The word "barren" is spelled with two consonants, "b" and "r," followed by two vowels, "a" and "e," and ends with the consonant "n." The IPA phonetic transcription for "barren" is /ˈbærən/. The first syllable is pronounced with a short "a" sound as in "bat," followed by a schwa sound in the second syllable. The double "r" is pronounced with a slight roll of the tongue. This word is commonly used to describe land or soils that are unable to produce crops or vegetation.

BARREN Meaning and Definition

  1. Barren is an adjective that describes something or a place that lacks fertility or productive capability. It typically refers to land, soil, or environments that cannot support the growth or sustenance of plants, crops, or living organisms. Barren areas are generally devoid of vegetation or any visible signs of life due to extreme aridity, infertile soil, or inhospitable conditions.

    When applied to a person or animal, barren implies an inability to conceive or reproduce. It suggests a state of infertility or a temporary inability to generate offspring. In a figurative sense, the term can also describe a lack of creativity, productivity, or originality in a person's ideas, thoughts, or work.

    The word barren can also be used metaphorically to convey an absence of something important, valuable, or desired. For instance, barren can describe a situation, a period, or a life that lacks excitement, happiness, or meaningful experiences. It suggests an emotional emptiness or a lack of fulfillment.

    In a literal or metaphorical sense, barren often implies a sense of desolation, unproductiveness, or unfruitfulness. It can also convey a feeling of bleakness, hopelessness, or dissatisfaction. Overall, the term barren denotes a condition or state of being that is stark, unfruitful, or unproductive.

  2. Noting a woman who has borne no children by reason of sterility in herself.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. • Barrenness.
    • Not producing young; not fertile; dull; in bot., without pistils.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for BARREN *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for BARREN

Etymology of BARREN

The word "barren" originated from the Old English word "bernan", which means "to make bare or empty, to lay waste". It is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "bazaznan", meaning "to become dry". The term eventually evolved in Middle English to "barayne" before settling into its current form, "barren", by the 16th century.

Similar spelling words for BARREN

Plural form of BARREN is BARRENS

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