fruit
fruit
Pronunciation
/fruːt/
/f/ - voiceless labiodental fricative
/r/ - voiced alveolar approximant
/uː/ - close back rounded vowel (long 'oo' sound)
/t/ - voiceless alveolar stop
Word Form Variations
Singular Noun: fruit
Plural Noun: fruit (when referring to fruit in general or as a mass noun), fruits (when referring to different types of fruit or individual pieces of fruit)
Verb (base form): fruit
Verb (third-person singular present): fruits
Verb (present participle): fruiting
Verb (past tense/past participle): fruited
Adjective: fruity (derived form)
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
Definition: The sweet and fleshy product of a tree or other plant that contains seed and can be eaten as food.
Synonyms: produce, crop, yield, berry, drupe
Antonyms: (No direct antonyms, as it refers to a specific type of food; perhaps "vegetable" in a general food context, but not a true antonym)
Definition: The result or consequence of an action or effort; the successful outcome of labor or activity.
Synonyms: outcome, result, consequence, product, payoff, benefit, reward
Antonyms: cause, origin, root, failure, detriment, loss
Verb
Definition: To produce fruit; to bear a reproductive part that develops from the flower of a plant.
Synonyms: bear, yield, produce, ripen
Antonyms: wither, fail (in the sense of not producing), decay (in the sense of the plant itself)
Definition: (Figurative) To bring to fruition; to develop successfully or bear results.
Synonyms: realize, achieve, accomplish, succeed, materialize
Antonyms: fail
Examples of Use
Books:
"And then I was angry, because I knew this was the fruit of something deeper, something rotten that had been allowed to fester for too long." (From a contemporary novel, author's internal monologue)
"The trees in the orchard bore abundant fruit that year, promising a bountiful harvest for the villagers." (From a historical fiction novel describing rural life)
Newspapers:
"The latest economic report indicates that the government's fiscal policies are finally beginning to bear fruit, with a noticeable uptick in employment rates." (Nairobi Standard, Business Section, June 2025)
"Experts warn consumers to wash all fruit thoroughly before consumption due to potential pesticide residues." (Daily Nation, Health & Environment, May 2025)
Online Publications:
"Here are 10 delicious and easy recipes using seasonal fruit to brighten up your summer meals." (Bon Appétit website, "Summer Recipes," June 2025)
"The collaboration between the two tech giants is expected to fruit in groundbreaking innovations by early next year." (TechCrunch, "Industry Watch," April 2025)
Various Entertainment Mediums and Platforms:
Film Dialogue: "You know, all this hard work, it's finally going to fruit. I can feel it." (Line spoken by a determined character in a drama film)
Song Lyrics: "Sweet fruit of my labor, a reward so true, I'll cherish every moment, all because of you." (From a popular song, pop genre)
Video Game (in-game text): "Collect three pieces of magic fruit to restore your health." (On-screen prompt in an adventure video game)
Podcast Discussion: "And that, ladies and gentlemen, is the bitter fruit of neglecting public education for decades." (From a political commentary podcast discussing societal issues)
General Public Discourse:
"My doctor told me to eat more fruit and vegetables for a healthier diet." (Casual conversation between friends)
"The new community garden is starting to fruit, we've got some lovely tomatoes already." (Neighbor speaking to another neighbor about a shared project)
"Don't forget to grab some fruit for the kids' snacks on the way out." (Parent to a child before leaving the house)
"Their efforts to raise awareness about climate change are really starting to bear fruit, you see more people talking about it now." (Activists discussing their progress during a meeting)
10 Famous Quotes Using Fruit
"The fruit of silence is tranquility." (Arabian Proverb)
"The true fruit of life is to be found in the simple joys and everyday blessings." (Thich Nhat Hanh)
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world." (Nelson Mandela - while not directly using "fruit," this speaks to the fruit of education)
"Knowledge is the wing wherewith we fly to heaven, and the fruit of the spirit is love." (William Shakespeare, Hamlet, interpreted metaphorically)
"A man reaps what he sows; the fruit of his deeds is his own." (The Buddha)
"The fruit of liberalism is radicalism." (Benjamin Disraeli)
"Adversity has the effect of eliciting talents which in prosperous circumstances would have lain dormant." (Horace - describing the fruit of adversity)
"The ripest fruit falls first." (Irish Proverb)
"Patience is a tree whose root is bitter, but its fruit is very sweet." (Persian Proverb)
"The greatest fruit of self-sufficiency is freedom." (Epicurus)
Etymology
The word "fruit" has a rich history that goes back a long way!
In simple terms, "fruit" comes to us from Latin, through Old French, and then into Middle English.
Here's a breakdown:
Latin Roots: The journey begins with the Latin word "fructus," which meant "enjoyment," "profit," "produce," or "crops." This Latin word itself came from the verb "frui," meaning "to enjoy" or "to use." So, at its very core, the idea of "fruit" was linked to something that you could benefit from or enjoy.
Old French Connection: This Latin "fructus" then evolved into the Old French word "fruit" (around the 12th century). At this stage, it was still a pretty broad term.
Middle English Arrival: "Fruit" made its way into English during the Middle English period (around 1150-1500 AD).
First Known Use and Meaning:
When "fruit" first entered the English language (around the late 12th century, with earliest evidence around 1175), its meaning was much wider than what we usually think of today. It described pretty much any product that grew from the soil and was useful to humans or animals. This included things we now call vegetables, nuts, grains, and even acorns. So, in its earliest English use, a carrot or a piece of grain could have been referred to as "fruit."
It was only later, around the early 13th century, that the meaning of "fruit" started to narrow down to the more specific sense we use today: the sweet, fleshy product of a plant that contains seeds and can be eaten as food. The older, broader meaning (like "the fruits of the field" for all crops) still exists, but the common understanding shifted. The figurative sense of "the result or consequence" (as in "the fruits of one's labor") also carried over from its Latin origins of "profit" or "outcome."
Phrases + Idioms Containing Fruit
Here's a list of phrases and idioms using "fruit" or related concepts:
Bear fruit: To produce a positive result or outcome.
The fruit of one's labor: The beneficial results of hard work.
Forbidden fruit: Something desired but unlawful or illicit.
Fruit of the loom: A common phrase, often associated with a clothing brand, referring to products from a weaving machine (loom) and, by extension, the yield or output.
Low-hanging fruit: An easily achievable task or goal; something simple to accomplish.
The bitter fruit of...: The unpleasant or undesirable consequence of something.
Go fruitful: To become productive or yield results (less common, more direct).
The fruit doesn't fall far from the tree: Children tend to have similar characteristics or behaviors to their parents.
Juicy fruit: A literal description of succulent fruit; also used metaphorically for something appealing or interesting, like "a juicy piece of gossip."
An apple a day keeps the doctor away: (Using a specific fruit) A common saying promoting the benefits of healthy eating.
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of fruit from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
