Blossom is a beautiful word that evokes images of springtime, flowers, and new beginnings. It is a word that is often used in poetry, literature, and everyday conversation. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of blossom, its origin, and its various associations.
Definitions
Blossom is a noun that refers to the flower or flowers of a plant, especially of a fruit tree. It can also refer to the state or period of flowering. As a verb, blossom means to produce flowers or to develop into a more advanced or mature state.
Origin
The word blossom comes from the Old English word blostm, which means flower or bloom. It is related to the Dutch word bloesem and the German word Blüte. The word has been used in English since the 14th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, blossom means “the flower of a plant, especially of one producing fruit.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines blossom as “a flower or a cluster of flowers on a tree or bush.” The Cambridge English Dictionary defines blossom as “the flowers on a tree or plant, or the process of producing flowers.”
Associations
Blossom is often associated with springtime, renewal, and growth. It is also associated with beauty, fragility, and transience. In Japanese culture, the cherry blossom is a symbol of the impermanence of life and the beauty of fleeting moments.
Synonyms
Synonyms for blossom include flower, bloom, bud, efflorescence, and floret.
Antonyms
Antonyms for blossom include wither, fade, wilt, and die.
The Same Root Words as Blossom
Other words that share the same root as blossom include blooming, bloomy, blossoming, and blossomless.
Example Sentences
- The cherry blossoms were in full bloom.
- The apple tree is starting to blossom.
- The garden was filled with the sweet scent of blossoms.
- She felt like she was finally blossoming into the person she was meant to be.
- The flowers had all wilted and the garden was no longer in bloom.