produce
PROD-yooss
/ˈprɒdjuːs/
Fresh fruits and vegetables grown for sale.
As a noun, the stress is on the first syllable. It refers collectively to farm-grown crops, usually fresh.
The story behind the word. Coming from the Latin 'pro-' (forward) and 'ducere' (to lead), 'produce' literally means 'to lead or bring forth'. In an agricultural sense, it refers to what the earth 'brings forth' in the form of fruits and vegetables.
Word relationships
- crops: Usually refers to plants grown in large quantities in a field, often before they are harvested.
- harvest: Refers to the act of gathering crops or the total amount gathered at one time.
Commonly confused with
- product: A 'product' is anything manufactured or refined, while 'produce' specifically refers to fresh agricultural goods.
Word family
- produce (verb): To create or grow something.
- production (noun): The process of creating or growing something.
- producer (noun): A person or company that creates or grows something.
Collocations
- fresh produce
- local produce
- produce section
Example sentences
- "The produce of the earth is all that is given to us." Agriculture
- "The supermarket's produce section is famous for its exotic tropical fruits." Shopping
Memory hook
The farm 'produces' the 'produce' you see in the store. Produce: Professional farmers lead it to the store.
When not to use
Do not use 'produce' (noun) to refer to manufactured goods; use 'products' instead.
Fun facts
- In many countries, the produce section is placed at the entrance of the store because the bright colors and fresh smells put shoppers in a good mood.
- The noun 'produce' is an uncountable noun in this context.
Related words
Also appears in
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