sow Definition
- 1plant (seed) by scattering it on or in the earth
- 2cause (a seed) to grow in this way
- 3introduce (something undesirable) into a situation or environment
Using sow: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "sow" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He sowed the seeds in the garden.
Example
The farmer sows his fields in the spring.
Example
She sowed doubt in their minds.
Example
The company sowed the seeds of its own downfall.
sow Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with sow
do something which will cause a particular result or situation in the future, especially something bad
Example
The government's policies sowed the seeds of discontent among the population.
Example
If you cheat on your exams, you'll fail. As ye sow, so shall ye reap.
Example
He cheated on his wife and now he's alone. He's just reaping what he sowed.
Origins of sow
Old English 'sāwan', of Germanic origin; related to Dutch 'zaaien' and German 'säen'
Summary: sow in Brief
The verb 'sow' [soʊ] means to plant seeds by scattering them on or in the earth, or to introduce something undesirable into a situation or environment. It can be used literally, as in 'He sowed the seeds in the garden,' or figuratively, as in 'She sowed doubt in their minds.' The phrase 'sow the seeds of something' means to do something that will cause a particular result or situation in the future, especially something bad.
