Yield Meaning
Yield Definition & Usage
To give way to someone or something, often as part of an agreement, a formal rule, or in a traffic context.
Examples
- "Drivers must yield to pedestrians at crosswalks."
- "The company decided to yield to pressure from the public and recall the product."
- "She yielded the floor to her colleague during the meeting."
- "The general commanded his soldiers to yield the city after a long siege."
- "He yielded to temptation and ate the entire cake."
To produce or generate a return, such as money, income, or benefit.
Examples
- "The investment is expected to yield high returns over the next few years."
- "These bonds yield an annual interest of 5%."
- "The research project yielded valuable insights into climate change."
- "The crops yielded a bountiful harvest this season."
- "Her hard work yielded impressive results in the competition."
The amount produced or generated as a result of an action or process.
Examples
- "The yield from the farm was lower this year due to the drought."
- "The company reported a yield of 12% on its new products."
- "This year's crop yield is expected to be the best in a decade."
- "The factory increased its yield after upgrading its machinery."
- "The yield of the investment exceeded expectations, making it highly profitable."
Cultural Context
The word 'yield' comes from Old English 'gieldan', meaning to pay or give. Over time, its meanings expanded to encompass the idea of giving up, producing something as a result, or allowing someone else to go first. It is commonly used in traffic, finance, and agriculture, where the idea of giving way or producing an outcome is central.
The Yielding Decision
Story
The Yielding Decision
It was a calm afternoon, and Peter, a seasoned driver, was on his way to a business meeting. As he approached a busy intersection, he noticed a pedestrian waiting at the crosswalk. The traffic light was green, but Peter, knowing the rules of the road, decided to yield. He slowed down and waved the pedestrian across. The pedestrian smiled and waved back in thanks. As Peter continued on his way, he reflected on how yielding wasn’t just about traffic. His company had been under pressure from shareholders to make a quick decision, but Peter had been the one to argue for caution. In the end, the board had yielded to his proposal for a more careful approach. The decision had paid off; the company saw a 10% increase in profits the next quarter. Later that day, Peter attended a conference where experts discussed sustainable farming. One of the speakers, a farmer named Clara, talked about the challenges of increasing crop yield in an era of climate change. She explained how new techniques had allowed her to increase her farm’s yield by 25% over the past year, despite adverse weather conditions. During lunch, Peter overheard a conversation between two investors. They were discussing the yield on various bonds and stocks, comparing different rates of return. One investor explained how her portfolio had yielded impressive returns, while the other was more cautious, warning about the risks involved. Peter thought about the word 'yield' and how it had so many meanings – from giving way on the road to the rewards of wise decisions. It reminded him that sometimes, yielding was the key to progress, whether on the road, in business, or even in life.
Related Words
