SOW Meaning and
Definition
-
Sow is a transitive verb with multiple definitions. One of its primary meanings refers to the act of scattering or planting seeds, typically by hand or with the use of tools like a plow or spreader, in order to grow crops or plants. This process involves depositing seeds into the soil so that they can germinate and develop into mature plants. Sowing is an essential step in agriculture and gardening, serving as the initial stage of plant cultivation.
In addition to its agricultural connotation, sow can also be used metaphorically to describe the act of establishing or introducing something, such as an idea, belief, or practice, with the intention of promoting its growth or development. This figurative usage emphasizes the notion of spreading and disseminating concepts or ideologies.
Sow can also find application in a negative sense, alluding to the act of causing trouble or strife. In this context, it describes the act of initiating conflict or discord, often through instigation or by creating confusion or tensions. The term can be used to depict the actions or intentions of someone who brings about division or disharmony, emphasizing the consequence of their behavior.
Finally, a female pig is also referred to as a sow. This definition describes a mature female pig, particularly one that has had offspring.
Overall, sow encompasses the agricultural activities of seed dispersal, metaphorical actions of introducing concepts, and the negative act of causing trouble, while also denoting a female pig.
-
• A female pig or swine; the principal bar in the cast run off from a smelting-furnace, the numerous small bars branching off from it on the right and left being called pigs.
• To scatter on the ground for the purpose of growth; to spread seed over tilled soil, as a field or garden; to spread; to scatter; to propagate.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Top Common Misspellings for SOW *
* 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 SOW
Etymology of SOW
The word "sow" has different etymological origins depending on its usage. As a verb meaning "to plant seeds", its origin can be traced back to Old English "sawan" or "sawian", which is related to the Old Norse word "sá". This Old Norse word, in turn, can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word "sēaną", meaning "to sow".
On the other hand, as a noun referring to a female pig, its origin can be traced back to Middle English "sow(e)" or "sowe", which descends from the Old English word "sugu". This Old English word is derived from the Proto-Germanic word "sugō", which itself stems from the Proto-Indo-European root "*sūḱ-", meaning "swine", ultimately giving rise to various pig-related words in different Indo-European languages.
Idioms with the word SOW
-
sow dragon's teeth
The idiom "sow dragon's teeth" refers to taking actions or engaging in behavior that unintentionally or unknowingly creates or exacerbates conflict or problems in the future. It originates from Greek mythology, specifically the story of Cadmus, who sowed the teeth of a dragon as instructed and from it grew a group of armed men who fought and ultimately destroyed each other. Therefore, "sowing dragon's teeth" suggests unknowingly initiating a cycle of violence, conflict, or strife.
-
sow (or plant) dragon's teeth
The idiom "sow (or plant) dragon's teeth" refers to a situation where one's actions or decisions lead to unintended and troublesome consequences. It originates from Greek mythology, specifically the story of Cadmus, who sowed the teeth of a slain dragon and unintentionally caused armed warriors to sprout from the ground, leading to conflict and chaos. Therefore, the phrase means to initiate or instigate a chain of events that result in unexpected difficulties or problems.
-
reap what you sow
The idiom "reap what you sow" means that an individual will eventually face the consequences of their actions, whether good or bad. It implies that one's current actions will have corresponding outcomes in the future, similar to how a farmer's harvest depends on the quality of the seeds planted. In essence, the idiom emphasizes accountability and the notion that one will experience the results of their deeds.
-
sow a/the seed of doubt (in someone's mind)
The idiom "sow a/the seed of doubt (in someone's mind)" means to introduce or plant doubts or suspicions in someone's mind about a person, idea, or situation. It refers to the action of causing someone to question or become uncertain about something they previously believed or trusted.
-
look like a saddle on a sow
The idiom "look like a saddle on a sow" is used to describe something that is mismatched, inappropriate, or awkward. It implies that a saddle, which is meant to go on a horse, would look out of place or ill-fitting on a sow (a female pig). It signifies a lack of harmony or suitability between two things.
-
sow the seeds of sth
The idiom "sow the seeds of something" refers to the act of initiating or planting the groundwork for an outcome or eventual result. It implies taking actions or making preparations that will contribute to the development or realization of a particular situation, idea, or future event. It can be both a literal and metaphorical expression, emphasizing the importance of taking the initial steps or actions necessary for something to grow or take shape.
-
sow the seeds of something
The idiom "sow the seeds of something" means to initiate or begin the process of causing an event or action to happen or to create the conditions for a certain outcome to occur in the future. It metaphorically refers to the act of planting seeds, which require time and nurturing to grow and produce a desired result.
-
sow one's wild oats
The idiom "sow one's wild oats" means to engage in adventurous, reckless or promiscuous behavior, typically during one's youth or before settling down. It implies indulging in various challenges or experiences before becoming more responsible or committed.
-
sow the wind and reap the whirlwind
The idiom "sow the wind and reap the whirlwind" means to engage in actions that are likely to result in serious and destructive consequences. It implies that a person's or group's initial minor actions or decisions can lead to a much larger crisis or disaster in the future. It warns against underestimating the potential consequences of one's actions, as they may escalate beyond what was anticipated.
-
You reap what you sow.
The idiom "You reap what you sow" means that the consequences or outcomes one experiences in life are a direct result of their own actions or choices. It suggests that one will eventually face the consequences, good or bad, of their own behavior, just as a farmer will harvest what they have planted. Essentially, it highlights the concept of cause and effect, emphasizing personal responsibility and accountability.
-
sow your wild oats
The idiom "sow your wild oats" means to engage in adventurous, carefree, or often irresponsible behavior, especially during one's youth or before settling down in life. It implies exploring and indulging in various experiences, often of a more rebellious or reckless nature, before taking on more serious commitments or responsibilities.
-
as ye sow, so shall ye reap
The idiom "as ye sow, so shall ye reap" means that the consequences of one's actions will ultimately catch up with them. It suggests that whatever one invests, whether it be time, effort, or kindness, will determine the outcomes they experience in the future. In other words, the results or rewards one receives will be in alignment with their actions and choices.
-
the sow that eats its farrow
The idiom "the sow that eats its farrow" refers to a situation where someone or something destroys or ruins what they have created or nurtured. It can also describe someone who undoes their own progress or success. It is often used to convey a sense of wastefulness, self-sabotage, or destructive behavior.
-
As you sow, so shall you reap,
-
can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear
This idiom means that it is impossible to create something of high quality or value from materials or resources that are of low quality or value. It is used to convey the idea that one cannot turn something inherently inferior into something superior.
-
make a silk purse of a sow's ear
To make something of inferior quality or value appear more attractive or valuable through skillful or ingenious means.
-
you can't make a silk purse out of a sow's ear
This idiom means that it is impossible to turn something inferior or of low quality into something superior or of high quality.
-
You cannot make a silk purse out of a sow's ear
This idiom means that it is not possible to turn something of low quality or poor nature into something of high quality or good nature. Just as it is impossible to turn a pig's ear into a silk purse.
-
make a silk purse out of a sow's ear
To make a silk purse out of a sow's ear means to create something of high quality or value out of something that is of low quality or value. It refers to the act of transforming something mundane or inferior into something impressive or remarkable.
-
have the right sow by the ear
To have control or influence over a situation or person, to be the one in charge.
Similar spelling words for SOW
Conjugate verb Sow
CONDITIONAL PERFECT
I
would have sown; sowed
you
would have sown; sowed
he/she/it
would have sown; sowed
we
would have sown; sowed
they
would have sown; sowed
I
would have sow
you
would have sow
he/she/it
would have sow
we
would have sow
they
would have sow
CONDITIONAL PERFECT PROGRESSIVE
I
would have been sowing
you
would have been sowing
he/she/it
would have been sowing
we
would have been sowing
they
would have been sowing
CONDITIONAL PRESENT
I
would sow
you
would sow
he/she/it
would sow
we
would sow
they
would sow
CONDITIONAL PRESENT PROGRESSIVE
I
would be sowing
you
would be sowing
he/she/it
would be sowing
we
would be sowing
they
would be sowing
FUTURE
I
will sow
you
will sow
he/she/it
will sow
we
will sow
they
will sow
FUTURE CONTINUOUS
I
will be sowing
you
will be sowing
he/she/it
will be sowing
we
will be sowing
they
will be sowing
FUTURE PERFECT
I
will have sown; sowed
you
will have sown; sowed
he/she/it
will have sown; sowed
we
will have sown; sowed
they
will have sown; sowed
I
will have sowed
you
will have sowed
he/she/it
will have sowed
we
will have sowed
they
will have sowed
I
will have sowed, will have sown
we
will have sowed, will have sown
you
will have sowed, will have sown
he/she/it
will have sowed, will have sown
they
will have sowed, will have sown
FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
will have been sowing
you
will have been sowing
he/she/it
will have been sowing
we
will have been sowing
they
will have been sowing
IMPERATIVE
you
sow
we
let´s sow
to sow
PAST CONTINUOUS
I
was sowing
you
were sowing
he/she/it
was sowing
we
were sowing
they
were sowing
PAST PARTICIPLE
sown; sowed
sowed
PAST PERFECT
I
had sown; sowed
you
had sown; sowed
he/she/it
had sown; sowed
we
had sown; sowed
they
had sown; sowed
I
had sowed
you
had sowed
he/she/it
had sowed
we
had sowed
they
had sowed
I
had sowed, had sown
we
had sowed, had sown
you
had sowed, had sown
he/she/it
had sowed, had sown
they
had sowed, had sown
PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
had been sowing
you
had been sowing
he/she/it
had been sowing
we
had been sowing
they
had been sowing
PRESENT
I
sow
you
sow
he/she/it
sows
we
sow
they
sow
PRESENT CONTINUOUS
I
am sowing
you
are sowing
he/she/it
is sowing
we
are sowing
they
are sowing
PRESENT PARTICIPLE
sowing
PRESENT PERFECT
I
have sown; sowed
you
have sown; sowed
he/she/it
has sown; sowed
we
have sown; sowed
they
have sown; sowed
I
have sowed
you
have sowed
he/she/it
has sowed
we
have sowed
they
have sowed
I
have sowed, have sown
we
have sowed, have sown
you
have sowed, have sown
he/she/it
has sowed, has sown
they
have sowed, have sown
PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS
I
have been sowing
you
have been sowing
he/she/it
has been sowing
we
have been sowing
they
have been sowing
PRESENT SUBJUNCTIVE
he/she/it
sow
SIMPLE PAST
I
sowed
you
sowed
he/she/it
sowed
we
sowed
they
sowed
I
would have sowed, would have sown
we
would have sowed, would have sown
you
would have sowed, would have sown
he/she/it
would have sowed, would have sown
they
would have sowed, would have sown
Infographic
Add the infographic to your website:
