Forage

Noun

Definition: Food for horses and cattle, typically consisting of hay or straw.

Synonyms: Feed, Fodder, Provender

Antonyms: Waste, Starvation

Examples:
  • The farmer stored a large quantity of forage for the winter.
  • The animals eagerly consumed the fresh forage.
Mnemonics:
  • "Forage" sound similar to "food forage," which can help remember its meaning.

Verb

Definition: To search widely for food or provisions.

Synonyms: Scavenge, Rummage, Hunt

Antonyms: Hoard, Stockpile

Examples:
  • The squirrel forages for acorns to store for the winter.
  • The lost hiker had to forage for berries to sustain herself.
Mnemonics:
  • "Forage" can be associated with animals searching for food in the wild.

Etymology:

Origin:

Middle English "fodder" or "food for animals," from Old French "fourage," from "forrer" meaning "to feed," from Latin "foratio," meaning "to stuff."

Historical Usage:

The term has been used since the 14th century with its current meanings related to food and searching for provisions.

Related Idioms:

Idiom:

"Forage around"

Explanation:

To search or explore in a disorderly or haphazard manner.

Misconceptions:

Misconception:

Assuming "forage" only refers to food for horses and cattle.

Explanation:

While "forage" does commonly refer to animal feed, it can also mean the act of searching for food or provisions.

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