English

produce

gb/pɹˈoʊdus/ us/pɹˈoʊdus/
A2 English
~ 400
Senses
0 senses
Verb A2 action
1

Make or create something

To make or create something, especially by working on it.

Usage pattern: to produce [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'produce' with 'product'. 'Produce' is the action (verb), 'product' is the thing made (noun).
Synonyms
create (More general; can include artistic or abstract things.) | manufacture (Usually refers to making goods in large quantities, especially in factories.)
Antonyms
destroy (Means to damage something so badly that it no longer exists or works.)
Collocations
produce results |produce goods |produce evidence |produce a report
Themes
business |manufacturing |daily life |core_vocabulary
Examples
  • The factory produces thousands of cars each year.
  • Her research produced some surprising results.
  • This farm produces the best cheese in the region.
  • The company is producing a new line of smartphones.
Learner examples
  • The farm produces milk.
  • This machine produces bread.
  • Our school produces a play every year.
  • Factories produce many things we use.
Noun A2 entity
2

Fresh fruits and vegetables

Fresh fruit and vegetables sold in stores or markets.

Common mistake:
Some learners think 'produce' here means any product; in this sense it refers only to fresh fruits and vegetables.
Synonyms
vegetables and fruit (Plain description without commercial context.)
Antonyms
processed food (Food that has been altered from its natural state, often packaged.)
Collocations
fresh produce |organic produce |local produce
Themes
food |daily life |food_drink |daily_life
Examples
  • The market sells fresh produce from local farms.
  • We try to eat more organic produce.
  • This store has a wide variety of fresh produce.
Learner examples
  • I buy produce at the market.
  • Fresh produce is good for health.
  • The shop sells local produce.
Verb B1 action
3

Present or show something

To show something to someone, usually because they ask for it.

Usage pattern: to produce [document/evidence/item]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse this with 'introduce'; 'produce' means to bring out or show something, not to make someone known.
Synonyms
present (More formal; often used in official situations.) | show (More casual; can be used in everyday contexts.)
Antonyms
conceal (To hide something so it cannot be seen or inspected.)
Collocations
produce evidence |produce documents |produce identification
Themes
law |daily life |communication
Examples
  • The witness produced a letter as proof.
  • Please produce your ticket at the entrance.
  • He produced his passport for the border officer.
Learner examples
  • I produced my ID card.
  • She produced her homework for the teacher.
  • He produced his passport at the airport.
Verb B1 action
4

Oversee creation of work/performance

To plan and control the making of a movie, play, or similar work.

Usage pattern: to produce [a film/play/show]
Synonyms
direct (Focuses more on guiding the artistic performance rather than funding/organization.) | organize (General term for arranging events or activities.)
Antonyms
cancel (To stop a planned performance or production from happening.)
Collocations
produce a film |produce a play |produce an album
Themes
entertainment |business |arts_entertainment |work
Examples
  • She produced several award-winning movies.
  • The company is producing a new TV series.
  • He produced and directed the play.
Learner examples
  • They produced a famous film.
  • She produced a new album.
  • He produced a big show.
Grammar
Dictionary form
produce
IPA
GB/pɹˈoʊdus/
US/pɹˈoʊdus/
Syllables & stress
pro - duce (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (pro)
Word forms
Noun
  • Base: produce
  • Plural: produce
Verb
  • Base: produce
  • 3rd Person Singular: produces
  • Present Participle: producing
  • Past: produced
Word family
Forms
produces verb producing verb produced verb
Core family
product noun A2 production noun B1 producer noun B1 productive adjective B1
Related words
productivity noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
unproductive adjective
Advanced or less common
productively adverb reproduce verb B2 reproduction noun B1
Expressions

fresh produce

1
/fɹˈɛʃ pɹˈoʊdus/
fixed phrase

Newly harvested fruits and vegetables for sale

Fruit and vegetables that were recently picked and are sold as food.

Examples
  • This store has a section for fresh produce.
  • We get our fresh produce from local farmers.

produce evidence

1
/pɹədˈus ˈɛvədəns/
fixed phrase

Present proof for consideration

To show proof to support an idea or claim.

Examples
  • The lawyer asked the witness to produce evidence.
  • You must produce evidence to prove your case.

produce results

1
/pɹˈoʊdus ɹɪzˈʌlts/
fixed phrase

Cause desired outcomes to happen

To make good or wanted things happen.

Examples
  • Hard work will produce results over time.
  • The new training program is already producing results.

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