Definition of Yield
Quick Meaning of Yield
To stop resisting and agree to what someone wants. Or, to produce something like a crop or profit. Or, to give way physically when something is pushed.
Detailed Definition of Yield
To give way to pressure, persuasion, or influence; to produce or generate; to surrender control or resistance.
How to Pronounce Yield
Stress pattern: O (1-syllable word).
Tip: One syllable pronounced like 'YEELD'. The 'y' at the start sounds like 'y' in 'yes'. The 'ield' sounds like 'eld'.
Watch out: Some learners may add an extra vowel sound and say 'YEE-eld' instead of 'YEELD'. Keep it as one smooth syllable.
Origin and Etymology of Yield
From Old English 'gieldan' meaning 'to pay' or 'give'. Germanic origin related to 'geld' (money). The sense of 'produce' developed in agriculture contexts from medieval times.
How to Use Yield in a Sentence
Each example shows “yield” with a CEFR level so learners can pick examples that match their fluency.
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“After weeks of negotiation, the union finally agreed to yield on wages.”
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“The government cannot yield to terrorism under any circumstances.”
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“This investment is expected to yield strong returns over five years.”
Synonyms and Antonyms of Yield
Common Synonyms for Yield
Smart Synonyms for Yield — When to Use Each
- surrender
- More informal; same meaning as yield to pressure
- surrender
- More absolute; total giving up rather than tactical
- concede
- To acknowledge defeat or admit a point
- produce
- For the agricultural/financial sense of generating output
Common Collocations with Yield
These phrases pair with “yield” in everyday English:
- yield to
- yield ground
- yield pressure
- yield results
- yield returns
Common Mistakes When Using Yield
Even fluent speakers slip up with “yield”. Here’s how to avoid the most common errors:
- ✗ Wrong: The crops yielded a lot of money.
- ✓ Correct: The crops yielded a large harvest. / The investment yielded a large profit.
- Why: Crops yield a harvest or produce, not money directly. Use 'yield profit' for financial contexts.
- ✗ Wrong: She yielded her opinion.
- ✓ Correct: She yielded to pressure. / She compromised on her opinion.
- Why: 'Yield' with 'to' means give in. To express an opinion, use 'expressed' or 'shared'.
- ✗ Wrong: The army yielded the territory to the enemy.
- ✓ Correct: The army relinquished the territory to the enemy. / The army ceded the territory to the enemy.
- Why: For territory, use 'cede' or 'relinquish'. 'Yield' is less common in this military context.
Other Forms of Yield
Frequently Asked Questions About Yield
What is the meaning of "Yield"?
To stop resisting and agree to what someone wants. Or, to produce something like a crop or profit. Or, to give way physically when something is pushed.
How do you pronounce "Yield"?
The IPA is /jiːld/. One syllable pronounced like 'YEELD'. The 'y' at the start sounds like 'y' in 'yes'. The 'ield' sounds like 'eld'.
What part of speech is "Yield"?
"Yield" is a verb at B2 level (Common European Framework).
What are synonyms for "Yield"?
Common synonyms include surrender, give in, concede.
How do you use "Yield" in a sentence?
For example: "After weeks of negotiation, the union finally agreed to yield on wages."