Definition of barren

The word "barren" originated in the 14th century from the Old English word "bærren", which meant "without fruit, unproductive". This sense likely came from the idea that a tree or plant without fruit was "barren" or unyielding. Over time, the meaning of the word expanded to include descriptions of land, soil, or a region that is unfertile or unable to support life or growth. In Middle English (circa 1300-1500), the word "barren" took on a sense of desolation or bleakness, as if the land itself was empty or abandoned. This sense has persisted in modern English, where "barren" can describe not only a lack of fertility but also a lack of beauty, life, or vitality. Throughout its evolution, the core idea of "barren" has remained the same: something that is unfruitful, unproductive, or desolate.