Word: fallow (adjective, noun, verb)

Associations

The word "fallow" is often used in farming and land management. It means land that is left unplanted or unused for a period to let the soil rest and regain nutrients.

Examples:

• The farmer left the field fallow for a year to improve the soil quality. (adjective use)
• The fallow land was covered with wildflowers. (noun use)
• They decided to fallow the plot this season to prevent soil exhaustion. (verb use)

A well-known synonym is "unused," but "fallow" specifically refers to land resting for agricultural reasons, not just any unused land.

Substitution

Instead of "fallow," you can say:

• Uncultivated (land not cultivated)
• Resting (land resting from farming)
• Idle (land not in use, but less specific)

Using "uncultivated" or "idle" can sometimes lose the meaning of purposeful rest for soil health, which "fallow" implies.

Deconstruction

"Fallow" comes from Old English "fealgian," meaning to plow but not sow seed. It has no prefix or suffix but is a root word connected to farming practices.

Inquiry

• Can you think of other situations where "resting" or "taking a break" is important, like the soil being fallow?
• How might fallow land affect the environment or farming results?
• Have you seen or heard about fallow land in your country or culture? What was the reason?