Bred
/bred/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo raise (animals) for reproduction or use.
/bred/
To raise or care for (young animals)
She bred horses on her ranch.
💡 Simply: To take care of young animals until they grow up.
More Examples
They bred dogs for companionship.
How It's Used
"The farmer bred prize-winning cattle."
To produce offspring through sexual reproduction.
/bred/
To produce (offspring) by sexual reproduction
The couple bred a family of five children.
💡 Simply: To create offspring through natural processes.
More Examples
Scientists bred a new type of wheat.
How It's Used
"These plants were bred to be resistant to disease."
Having good manners and refined behavior; of good upbringing.
/bred/
Well-mannered and refined
He had a well-bred demeanor.
💡 Simply: Having good manners and coming from a good family background.
More Examples
The horses were of excellent breed and well-bred.
How It's Used
"She is a well-bred young lady."
Past tense and past participle of "breed." Originates from Old English "brēdan," meaning "to bring forth young; to hatch; to rear; to nurture."
The word's usage in historical texts often emphasizes the rearing and upbringing of animals and humans, reflecting its agricultural and social contexts.
Memory tip
Think of raising animals in a 'bread' basket.
Word Origin
"to bring forth young; to hatch; to rear; to nurture"