fruitful journey meaning

Synonyms of fruitful

• as in fertile
• as in efficient
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Thesaurus Definition of fruitful

Synonyms & Similar Words

• cornucopian
• flourishing
• plenitudinous

Antonyms & Near Antonyms

• unproductive
• efficacious
• experienced
• practicable
• accomplished
• hyperefficient
• ultraefficient
• ineffective
• inefficient
• ineffectual
• inoperative
• counterproductive
• incompetent
• unsuccessful
• inexperienced
• unqualified
• unprofitable

Synonym Chooser

How is the word fruitful distinct from other similar adjectives?

Some common synonyms of fruitful are fecund , fertile , and prolific . While all these words mean "producing or capable of producing offspring or fruit," fruitful adds to fertile and fecund the implication of desirable or useful results.

When is fecund a more appropriate choice than fruitful ?

The words fecund and fruitful can be used in similar contexts, but fecund emphasizes abundance or rapidity in bearing fruit or offspring.

In what contexts can fertile take the place of fruitful ?

In some situations, the words fertile and fruitful are roughly equivalent. However, fertile implies the power to reproduce in kind or to assist in reproduction and growth; applied figuratively, it suggests readiness of invention and development.

When would prolific be a good substitute for fruitful ?

The meanings of prolific and fruitful largely overlap; however, prolific stresses rapidity of spreading or multiplying by or as if by natural reproduction.

Thesaurus Entries Near fruitful

fruitfulness

Cite this Entry

“Fruitful.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus , Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/fruitful. Accessed 29 Apr. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on fruitful

Nglish: Translation of fruitful for Spanish Speakers

Britannica English: Translation of fruitful for Arabic Speakers

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Dictionary definition of fruitful

Producing or yielding positive and desirable results, outcomes, or benefits. "The fruitful investment strategy allowed him to build substantial wealth over time."

Detailed meaning of fruitful

When applied to endeavors, projects, or actions, a fruitful endeavor is one that brings about successful or productive outcomes. It implies that effort, time, or resources invested in a particular pursuit have yielded substantial or rewarding results. A fruitful discussion or collaboration is one that leads to meaningful insights, solutions, or progress. Additionally, "fruitful" can refer to a period or season that is abundant in fruitful harvest or productive growth. It signifies a period of prosperity, abundance, or fulfillment. The adjective "fruitful" conveys a sense of accomplishment, fulfillment, or the realization of desired goals, highlighting the positive outcomes or benefits derived from an activity or situation.

Example sentences of fruitful

1. The team's fruitful efforts led to the successful completion of the project. 2. After years of research, the scientist made a fruitful breakthrough in the field of medicine. 3. The fruitful discussion among the board members resulted in a unanimous decision. 4. The student's hard work and dedication resulted in fruitful academic achievements. 5. The fruitful collaboration between the two companies led to the development of an innovative product. 6. The garden's fertile soil and ample sunlight ensured a fruitful harvest of fresh vegetables.

History and etymology of fruitful

The adjective 'fruitful' is rooted in the Middle English word 'fruteful,' which was derived from the Old English term 'frod,' meaning 'fruit' or 'produce.' In Old English, 'frod' was used to describe the quality of being fruitful or bearing fruit, primarily in an agricultural context. The Old English word 'frod' can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word 'frutô,' which also referred to fruit or produce. Over time, 'fruitful' expanded beyond its agricultural origins to encompass a broader meaning of producing or yielding positive and desirable results, outcomes, or benefits in various contexts. The etymology of 'fruitful' thus reflects its historical association with the abundance of produce and the notion of something being productive and beneficial.

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Further usage examples of fruitful

1. Their fruitful partnership brought new opportunities and expanded their business globally. 2. The writer's fruitful imagination allowed them to create captivating and best-selling novels. 3. The philanthropist's generous donations had a fruitful impact on various charitable organizations. 4. The coach's guidance and training led to a fruitful season for the sports team. 5. Through perseverance and determination, she transformed a challenging situation into a fruitful endeavor. 6. Their collaboration proved to be a fruitful endeavor, yielding remarkable innovations. 7. The research project promises a fruitful contribution to scientific knowledge. 8. A fruitful dialogue between nations can lead to lasting peace. 9. Years of hard work culminated in a fruitful harvest for the farmer. 10. A fruitful investment strategy can secure a comfortable retirement. 11. The mentorship program has been a fruitful experience for all involved. 12. Effective communication is essential for a fruitful relationship. 13. The teamwork of the scientists led to a series of fruitful discoveries. 14. Patience and persistence are key to a fruitful career in music. 15. A fruitful brainstorming session generated creative solutions. 16. The educational reforms have led to a fruitful improvement in test scores. 17. Community involvement can be a fruitful way to give back. 18. A fruitful exercise routine promotes physical and mental well-being. 19. Nurturing creativity can result in fruitful artistic expressions. 20. Their partnership proved to be a fruitful collaboration in business. 21. A fruitful negotiation resulted in a fair and beneficial agreement. 22. The charitable organization's efforts have been highly fruitful. 23. A fruitful education empowers individuals to pursue their dreams. 24. The exchange of ideas in the seminar was truly fruitful. 25. Time management is crucial for a fruitful and balanced life.

Quiz categories containing fruitful

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Opposite Words

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advantageous,beneficial,bountiful,rewarding,rich

eb68db_6a11ee45a2964f9c9dce255156578575.mp3

productive, barren, unproductive, futile

abundant,fertile,lucrative,productive,prosperous,successful

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fruitful adjective

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What does the adjective fruitful mean?

There are seven meanings listed in OED's entry for the adjective fruitful , two of which are labelled obsolete. See ‘Meaning & use’ for definitions, usage, and quotation evidence.

fruitful has developed meanings and uses in subjects including

Entry status

OED is undergoing a continuous programme of revision to modernize and improve definitions. This entry has not yet been fully revised.

How common is the adjective fruitful ?

How is the adjective fruitful pronounced, british english, u.s. english, where does the adjective fruitful come from.

Earliest known use

Middle English

The earliest known use of the adjective fruitful is in the Middle English period (1150—1500).

OED's earliest evidence for fruitful is from before 1300, in Early English Psalter .

fruitful is formed within English, by derivation.

Etymons: fruit n. , ‑ful suffix .

Nearby entries

• fruited, adj. 1612–
• fruiten, v. 1633–
• fruitening, adj. 1845–
• fruiter, n. a1483–
• fruiterer, n. 1408–
• fruiteress, n. 1713–
• fruitery, n. 1584–
• fruitester, n. c1386
• fruit fly, n. 1753–
• fruit-frame, n. 1875–
• fruitful, adj. a1300–
• fruitfulhead, n. c1450
• fruitfully, adv. c1450–
• fruitfulness, n. a1398–
• fruit-gatherer, n. 1847–
• fruit-girl, n. 1750–
• fruit gum, n. 1938–
• fruit-house, n. 1794–
• fruiting, n. a1400–
• fruiting, adj. 1778–
• fruition, n. 1413–

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Meaning & use

Pronunciation, compounds & derived words, entry history for fruitful, adj..

fruitful, adj. was first published in 1898; not yet revised.

fruitful, adj. was last modified in December 2023.

Revision of the OED is a long-term project. Entries in oed.com which have not been revised may include:

• corrections and revisions to definitions, pronunciation, etymology, headwords, variant spellings, quotations, and dates;
• new senses, phrases, and quotations which have been added in subsequent print and online updates.

Revisions and additions of this kind were last incorporated into fruitful, adj. in December 2023.

Earlier versions of this entry were published in:

OED First Edition (1898)

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OED Second Edition (1989)

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Citation details

Factsheet for fruitful, adj., browse entry.

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Definitions

From the american heritage® dictionary of the english language, 5th edition..

• adjective Producing fruit, especially in abundance.
• adjective Producing offspring, especially in abundance.
• adjective Capable of producing vegetation.
• adjective Producing useful or desired results; productive: synonym : fertile .

from The Century Dictionary.

• Productive of, abounding in, or favorable to the growth of fruit, or useful vegetation in general: as, a, fruitful country or soil; a fruitful season; fruitful showers.
• Bearing offspring; prolific; not barren.
• Productive of results; yielding, bringing, or favoring production or acquisition in any respect: as, a fruitful enterprise or journey; fruitful investigations or thoughts; fruitful in expedients or in crimes.
• Plenteous; copious; bountiful.

from the GNU version of the Collaborative International Dictionary of English.

• adjective Full of fruit; producing fruit abundantly; bearing results; prolific; fertile; liberal; bountiful

from Wiktionary , Creative Commons Attribution/Share-Alike License.

• adjective Favourable to the growth of fruit or useful vegetation ; fertile ; not barren .
• adjective Being productive in any sense; yielding benefits .

from WordNet 3.0 Copyright 2006 by Princeton University. All rights reserved.

• adjective productive or conducive to producing in abundance

Etymologies

From wiktionary, creative commons attribution/share-alike license.

Help support Wordnik (and make this page ad-free) by adopting the word fruitful .

He was speaking after what he called a fruitful meeting with the NSC executive at his Houghton, Johannesburg, home.

ANC Daily News Briefing 1996

Accusing scientists of being wrong for pursuing a path they have found fruitful , is criticism.

Combinatorial Dependencies 2007

He was not suggesting we look towards the body or the soul to the exclusion of the other, but to allow them to remain, in fruitful contest, within the imagination.

Blake's Contraries Game 2005

At Hope College I spent two years in fruitful study, but decided to transfer to the University of Michigan in Ann Arborafter my favorite professor, Dr.J. Harvey Kleinheksel, died of a heart attack, and the organic chemistry professor with whom I had hoped to do research, Dr. Gerrit Van Zyl, announced his retirement.

Richard E. Smalley - Autobiography 1997

Churches should be well satisfied in some way that they call a fruitful minister, and not a dry stalk — that is, a mere intellect, a mere head with little heart; an elegant writer, but with no unction; a great logician, but of little faith; a fervid imagination, it may be, with no Holy Ghost power.

Power From On High 1944

This little historic fragment is rich in fruitful themes for solemn meditation.

The Assassinated President 1865

Those that were hungry are made to dwell in fruitful lands; there they take root, and gain a settlement, and prepare a city for habitation for themselves and theirs after them.

Commentary on the Whole Bible Volume III (Job to Song of Solomon) 1721

It is he who, out of those vapours so raised, forms the rain, so that the earth is no loser by the vapours it sends up, for they are returned with advantage in fruitful showers.

How the fruitful ness of the earth must therefore be devoted to heaven, which is intimated in his calling the fruitful fields fields of offerings.

Commentary on the Whole Bible Volume II (Joshua to Esther) 1721

Related Words

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synonyms (41)

Words with the same meaning.

• advantageous
• bursting out
• flourishing
• fructiferous
• proliferous
• superabundant

antonyms (3)

Words with the opposite meaning, equivalents (21), other words for 'fruitful'.

• bacciferous
• blue-fruited
• dark-fruited
• oval-fruited
• procreative
• red-fruited
• reproductive
• round-fruited
• small-fruited

same context (11)

Words that are found in similar contexts.

• satisfactory

relateds (2)

• fruitfulness

cross-references (3)

Cross-references.

• fruitful mark
• fruitful signs

Word visualization

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Prolagus commented on the word fruitful

Be fruitful and multiply.

dontcry commented on the word fruitful

I'm afraid it might be too late...

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Definition of 'fruitful'

Video: pronunciation of fruitful

fruitful in American English

Fruitful in british english, examples of 'fruitful' in a sentence fruitful, related word partners fruitful, trends of fruitful.

View usage over: Since Exist Last 10 years Last 50 years Last 100 years Last 300 years

In other languages fruitful

• American English : fruitful / ˈfrutfəl /
• Brazilian Portuguese : proveitoso
• Chinese : 富有成效的
• European Spanish : fructífero
• French : fructueux
• German : fruchtbar
• Italian : fruttuoso
• Japanese : 実りの多い
• Korean : 유익한
• European Portuguese : proveitoso
• Spanish : fructífero
• Thai : ให้ผลดี, ได้ผลดี, มีประโยชน์

Browse alphabetically fruitful

• fruitful collaboration
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• fruitful relationship
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Definition of fruitfulness noun from the Oxford Advanced Learner's Dictionary

fruitfulness

• It takes time for the validity or fruitfulness of any academic development to become clear.

Join our community to access the latest language learning and assessment tips from Oxford University Press!

• (literary) the fact of producing a lot of crops; the extent to which land, trees, etc. produce crops

Nearby words

How to go to Heaven

How to get right with god.

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Synonyms and antonyms of fruitful in English

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Synonyms and examples

Antonyms and examples, see words related to fruitful, fruitful | american thesaurus.

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adjective as in productive

Strongest matches

advantageous , beneficial , conducive , effective , profitable , rewarding , successful , useful , worthwhile

Weak matches

abounding , abundant , blooming , blossoming , breeding , childbearing , childing , copious , fecund , fertile , flourishing , flush , fructiferous , gainful , plenteous , plentiful , profuse , proliferant , prolific , propagating , reproducing , rich , spawning , well-spent

Discover More

Example sentences.

We’d do well, then, to seek guidance from Darrel Morrison, who has spent a fruitful life designing with native flora and teaching others how to do the same.

In this regard, one of the most fruitful research approaches has involved the study of how nerve cells communicate with other cells in the body, and how various drugs might alter this communication.

Forty-seven years ago, Japan used the Olympics Opening Ceremony to announce itself to the world as a modern, fruitful society.

Transits soon overtook wobbles as the most fruitful planet-finding strategy.

To those who looked myopically only at recent years of the harvest, which had been quite sufficient, he pointed out that those years had been unusually fruitful, which masked the problem.

These are all fruitful options to pursue for any atheist interested in challenging the immoral stereotypes we have.

After a fruitful year (earning $81 total) he expanded his enterprise.

That marked the beginning of a fruitful long-term relationship with his Ethiopian clients.

Then, defying all logic, it somehow blossomed into an amazing, fruitful romance.

Reporters found that scouring the Internet for remarks made by Ukip members was proving fruitful.

Nothing, however, can save us but a union, which would turn our barren hills into fruitful valleys.

Our escort was mounted within a few minutes, and we were in full gallop over the fruitful levels of Champagne.

It seemed an unpromising subject, but they fell upon it with ardour, and found it strangely fruitful.

Why did he quit the fruitful banks of the Euphrates for a spot so remote, so barren, and so stony as Sichem?

One of the most fruitful fields for this instrument is undoubtedly stellar spectroscopy.

Related Words

Words related to fruitful are not direct synonyms, but are associated with the word fruitful . Browse related words to learn more about word associations.

adjective as in able to have children

• procreative

adjective as in profuse

• exaggerated
• overflowing
• superabundant
• superfluous

adjective as in productive, rich

• flourishing
• remunerative
• fructiferous
• proliferant
• propagating
• reproducing

Viewing 5 / 35 related words

On this page you'll find 77 synonyms, antonyms, and words related to fruitful, such as: advantageous, beneficial, conducive, effective, profitable, and rewarding.

From Roget's 21st Century Thesaurus, Third Edition Copyright © 2013 by the Philip Lief Group.