hemp
B2Neutral, Technical
Definition
Meaning
A tall plant of the cannabis family, cultivated for its strong fibers and seeds.
The fiber from the hemp plant used to make rope, cloth, and other products. Informally, a term sometimes used for the cannabis plant when grown for its psychoactive properties, although this usage is more precisely termed 'marijuana' or 'cannabis'.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The word's primary denotation is the industrial fiber crop, distinct from recreational drug use. This distinction is crucial in legal and agricultural contexts. The informal connotation related to drugs is less precise and often deliberately vague.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Minimal. The industrial/fiber meaning is identical. The informal drug-related connotation may be slightly more prevalent in American English due to wider public discourse on cannabis legalization.
Connotations
In both varieties, the industrial meaning is neutral/technical. The drug-related association carries the same informal and sometimes stigmatised connotations.
Frequency
Comparable frequency in both varieties. Higher in agricultural, textile, and policy discussions.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
N of hemp (e.g., a strand of hemp)Adj + hemp (e.g., durable hemp)hemp + N (e.g., hemp cultivation)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Not applicable for this word.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Refers to the agricultural sector, supply chains for textiles, food (seeds/oil), and construction materials.
Academic
Used in botany, agriculture, textile history, and policy studies discussing drug classification.
Everyday
Most commonly in discussions about sustainable products, clothing, or food. The drug connotation is common but informal.
Technical
Precise term for the bast fiber from the Cannabis sativa plant, specifying low-THC varieties for industrial use.
Examples
By Part of Speech
adjective
British English
- They bought a hemp shopping bag.
- The festival promoted hemp clothing.
American English
- She uses hemp lotion for her skin.
- The company sells hempcrete, a hemp-based building material.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- This bag is made from hemp.
- Hemp is a very strong plant.
- Farmers are growing more hemp for its fibers.
- You can buy food with hemp seeds in the supermarket.
- The legalisation of industrial hemp has created new economic opportunities.
- Historically, hemp was vital for making sails and ropes for ships.
- The distinction between hemp and marijuana lies primarily in the concentration of psychoactive compounds.
- Advocates argue that hemp cultivation is a cornerstone of the burgeoning bio-economy.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a strong, heavy rope on a ship – it's often made from HEMP. 'HEMP Helps Make rope'.
Conceptual Metaphor
HEMP IS A VERSATILE RESOURCE (for fiber, food, fuel).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- The Russian word 'конопля' (konoplya) refers to the plant species and can ambiguously cover both industrial and drug contexts, similar to English. However, in precise English, 'hemp' often specifies the industrial application.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'hemp' as a verb (e.g., 'to hemp a rope' is incorrect).
- Confusing 'hemp oil' (from seeds, often for food) with 'CBD oil' (extracted from flowers/leaves).
Practice
Quiz
In a strict technical sense, the word 'hemp' most accurately refers to:
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, not exactly. They are different cultivars of the same plant species, Cannabis sativa. 'Hemp' is legally and agriculturally defined as containing very low levels of THC (the psychoactive compound), and is grown for fiber and seeds. 'Marijuana' refers to varieties cultivated for higher THC content.
No, you cannot get high from industrial hemp products like rope, cloth, or food-grade seeds/oil, as they contain negligible amounts of THC.
Its primary traditional use is for strong textiles like rope, canvas, and clothing. Modern uses include building materials (hempcrete), biodegradable plastics, food products (seeds, oil), paper, and biofuels.
Hemp grows quickly, requires few pesticides, enriches the soil, and produces a high yield of versatile material, making it an efficient and environmentally friendly crop.