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yield

YEELD /jiːld/

nounverbB1IELTSTOEFLSATACT

generaltechnicalfinancial

The total amount of agricultural or industrial product produced; to produce or provide a natural crop or financial return; to give way to arguments or physical force.

In agriculture and finance, it is a highly positive term representing productivity and output. In traffic or arguments, it represents submission or giving way.

The story behind the word. From Old English 'gieldan', meaning 'to pay, render, or give back.' Over the centuries, its meaning shifted from a financial payment or tax to the physical output that the earth 'gives back' to the farmer in return for their labor.

Word relationships

output: 'Output' is a general term for anything produced, while 'yield' specifically emphasizes the harvest of natural crops or the return on an investment.
produce: 'Produce' as a noun refers to the harvested crops themselves (like fruits and vegetables), whereas 'yield' refers to the quantity or measurement of that harvest.

resist: 'Resist' means to withstand or oppose, which is the opposite of the verb 'yield' (to give way).

Commonly confused with

shield: 'Shield' is a protective barrier, whereas 'yield' is to produce or give way.

Word family

yielding (adjective): Productive, or compliant and flexible.
unyielding (adjective): Stiff, stubborn, or not producing.

Collocations

crop yield
high yield
yield results
financial yield

Idioms & expressions

yield fruit

Example sentences

"New irrigation techniques have dramatically increased the annual crop yield per acre." Discussing agricultural productivity.
"These apple trees yield a sweet, crisp fruit that is perfect for cider." Using the verb form to show production.

Memory hook

The field will 'yield' its crops if you treat it well. Fields yield.

When not to use

Do not use 'yield' when referring to a simple count of items that are not produced by a process (e.g., do not say 'the yield of books on the shelf').

Fun facts

In finance, 'yield' refers to the earnings generated and realized on an investment over a particular period of time, expressed as a percentage.