fructify

verb

fruc·​ti·​fy ˈfrək-tə-ˌfī 

ˈfru̇k-

fructified; fructifying

intransitive verb

: to bear fruit

its seeds shall fructify

—Amy Lowell

no partnership can fructify without candor on both sides

—D. M. Ogilvy

transitive verb

: to make fruitful or productive

Did you know?

Fructify comes from Latin fructus, meaning “fruit.” When the word was first used in English, it literally referred to the actions of fruit-bearing plants. Later it was used to refer to the action of making something literally or figuratively fruitful, such as soil or labor, respectively. These days fructify is more frequently used to refer to the giving forth of something in profit from something else (such as dividends from an investment). Fructus also gave us the name of the sugar fructose, as well as usufruct, which refers to the legal right to enjoy the fruits or profits of something that belongs to someone else.

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

However, investors’ money can grow and fructify over time, making the value of their building increase. —Florian Monkam, Forbes, 5 Oct. 2022

These negotiations, which have surged and ebbed over the last half-decade, are not likely to fructify soon. —Samanth Subramanian, Quartz, 17 Mar. 2022

Reliance has been in talks with Saudi Aramco for a stake sale in its refinery unit, although the transaction is yet to fructify. —Matthew Martin, Bloomberg.com, 5 Nov. 2020

Word History

Etymology

Middle English fructifien, from Anglo-French fructefier, from Latin fructificare, from fructus fruit

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at intransitive sense

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