Arable: Definition, Usage & Synonyms

Meaning 1：fit for farming (arable)

arable 🔊

/ˈær.ə.bəl/

adj.

Suitable for growing crops, like vegetables or grains.

Arable land illustrated by a sunlit farm with rows of corn growing in rich, dark soil.

fit for farming 🔊

➕

/fɪt fɔr ˈfɑrmɪŋ/

adj.

Describes land that is suitable for growing crops because it can be plowed and has good soil quality.

📁 Category：Natural Geography 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Latin 'arare' (to plow) + '-abilis' (able). Means 'able to be plowed'.

💡 Mnemonic

A RABBIT loves carrots, which grow in ARABLE land. Remember 'A-rabbit' to link the word to farmable soil.

📖 Example

The government is protecting arable land to ensure we have enough food for everyone. 🔊 The government is protecting land fit for farming to ensure we have enough food for everyone.

🔗 Collocations

arable land – land that is suitable for plowing and growing crops

arable soil – soil that is fertile enough for cultivation

arable farming – the practice of growing crops on cultivated land

🔄 Synonyms

fertile (adj.) – capable of producing abundant vegetation or crops

cultivable (adj.) – land that can be used for growing crops

productive (adj.) – land that yields large amounts of agricultural produce

🚫 Antonyms

infertile (adj.) – not capable of sustaining plant growth; barren

barren (adj.) – land too poor to produce much or any vegetation

uncultivable (adj.) – not suitable for cultivation

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'arable' entered English via Old French from Latin 'arabilis', derived from 'arare' (to plow). It reflects the ancient and critical link between land cultivation and human survival, a concept central to agricultural societies throughout history.