C1adjective 10K+

Fertile

UK //ˈfɜːt.aɪl// US //ˈfɜr.t̬əl// Pronunciation

Definition

Capable of producing abundant vegetation or offspring.

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In simple words: Able to produce good crops or plants.

Examples

• The farmer was pleased with the fertile land that produced a great harvest.
• Fertile soil is essential for growing healthy plants.
• The region is known for its fertile valleys and rivers.
• Fertile minds often create innovative ideas.
• The city's fertile environment encouraged artistic expression.

Usage notes

Used in agriculture or ecology contexts. Not appropriate for abstract use like ideas or emotions.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'fertilize' to remember that fertile means good for growing.

Collocations

• fertile ground
• fertile imagination
• fertile fields

Synonyms

• productive
• fruitful
• plentiful
• rich
• prolific

Antonyms

• infertile
• barren
• sterile

Common mistakes

• Confusing with 'infertile', which means not able to produce.
• Using it to describe unproductive people or ideas.
• Misplacing it in sentences related to non-physical attributes.