gentleman farmer (english) - meaning, definition, translation, pronunciation

Part of Speech

Noun

Phonetic Transcription

/ˈdʒɛn.tl̩.mən ˈfɑːr.mər/

Meaning and Usage

A "gentleman farmer" traditionally refers to a landowner who farms for enjoyment rather than as their primary source of income. This term often connotes a person who employs modern farming techniques and maintains their property primarily for pleasure or as a hobby, rather than as a means of survival.

The phrase is somewhat old-fashioned and has fallen out of common use in modern contexts, but it is still understood. It is more prevalent in written contexts, particularly in discussions about agriculture, land ownership, and rural lifestyle.

Example Sentences

1. The gentleman farmer spent his weekends maintaining the expansive gardens on his estate.

2. (Translation: El agricultor caballero pasaba sus fines de semana manteniendo los extensos jardines de su propiedad.)

3. Many gentleman farmers are known for their sustainable practices and dedication to conservation.

4. (Translation: Muchos agricultores caballeros son conocidos por sus prácticas sostenibles y dedicación a la conservación.)

5. As a gentleman farmer, he enjoyed raising rare breeds of livestock that were not commercially viable.

6. (Translation: Como agricultor caballero, disfrutaba criando razas poco comunes de ganado que no eran económicamente viables.)

Idiomatic Expressions

The term "gentleman farmer" does not frequently appear in idiomatic expressions, but the concept of gentlemanly conduct or refined farming practices can be associated with various expressions. Here are some idiomatic expressions related to farming or gentlemanly behavior:

1. Farm to table
2. Meaning: To describe food that is grown locally and served directly to consumers.
3. Example: The gentleman farmer's produce goes straight from farm to table in the local restaurant.

4. (Translation: La producción del agricultor caballero va directamente de la granja a la mesa en el restaurante local.)

5. A stitch in time saves nine

6. Meaning: Taking prompt action can prevent larger problems later.
7. Example: The gentleman farmer knew that a stitch in time saves nine when dealing with pests in his crops.

8. (Translation: El agricultor caballero sabía que más vale prevenir que curar al lidiar con plagas en sus cultivos.)

9. You reap what you sow

10. Meaning: Your actions will have consequences, either positive or negative.
11. Example: The gentleman farmer believed that you reap what you sow, investing time and care into his fields.
12. (Translation: El agricultor caballero creía que cosechas lo que siembras, invirtiendo tiempo y cuidado en sus campos.)

Etymology

The term "gentleman" originated from Middle English "gentilman," derived from Old French "gentil," meaning noble or well-born. The term "farmer" comes from the Old French "fermier," which means a person who manages a farm, stemming from "ferme," meaning farm or lease. The combination of the two conveys the idea of a person of nobility or social status who engages in agricultural pursuits.

Synonyms and Antonyms

• Synonyms: Landowner, hobby farmer, recreational farmer
• Antonyms: Commercial farmer, regular farmer, wage farmer

This combination of terms offers a glimpse into the kind of leisure-oriented agriculture associated with affluence and a contemplative lifestyle, which contrasts sharply with more utilitarian farming practices.