§ What does it mean?
The verb 'breed' is a versatile word with several related meanings, primarily revolving around reproduction and development. At its core, 'breed' refers to the biological process of producing offspring. This is most commonly associated with animals but can also apply to plants. When we talk about animals breeding, we're talking about them reproducing sexually to create young.
- DEFINITION
- To produce offspring through sexual reproduction, especially in animals.
For example, a pair of birds will breed during the spring, laying eggs that hatch into chicks. Similarly, a farmer might say their livestock are breeding well, indicating a healthy rate of reproduction in their herd. This natural, unassisted reproduction is one of the primary uses of the word.
Many wild animals only breed during specific seasons of the year.
§ Controlled Reproduction
Beyond natural reproduction, 'breed' also describes the controlled process of raising animals or plants specifically for reproduction, often with the goal of developing certain desirable qualities. This is particularly common in agriculture, pet ownership, and horticulture.
- DEFINITION
- To keep animals or plants for reproduction in order to develop specific qualities.
For instance, a dog breeder carefully selects two dogs with specific traits – perhaps a calm temperament or a particular coat color – and encourages them to reproduce. The aim is to produce puppies that inherit these desired characteristics. Similarly, plant breeders might cross-pollinate different varieties of crops to create new strains that are more resistant to disease or yield more fruit.
She decided to breed golden retrievers for their gentle nature.
This usage highlights human intervention and purpose in the reproductive process. It's not just about reproduction happening, but about reproduction being managed and directed.
- Animal breeding: Often involves selecting for physical characteristics, temperament, or specific abilities (e.g., racing horses, working dogs).
- Plant breeding: Aims to improve crop yields, disease resistance, nutritional value, or aesthetic qualities of ornamental plants.
§ Metaphorical Usage: To Cause to Develop
Beyond the literal biological sense, 'breed' can also be used metaphorically to mean 'to cause a particular feeling or situation to develop.' In this context, it suggests that one thing gives rise to or creates another, often in an unfavorable or undesirable way. It implies a causal relationship where one factor leads to the growth or emergence of something else.
- DEFINITION
- To cause a particular feeling or situation to develop.
For example, poverty can breed crime, meaning that conditions of poverty often lead to an increase in criminal activity. Or, a lack of communication in a relationship can breed resentment, indicating that poor communication fosters feelings of bitterness. This usage is common when discussing social issues, emotions, or abstract concepts.
Fear and isolation can easily breed distrust among communities.
It's important to note that this metaphorical use often carries a slightly negative connotation, implying the generation of something problematic or undesirable. However, it can occasionally be used in a neutral or even positive sense, such as 'success breeds confidence.'
§ When do people use it?
People use 'breed' in various contexts depending on the meaning:
- In biology and agriculture: When discussing animal reproduction, genetics, and livestock management. This is where the literal meaning is most prominent.
- In pet ownership: When talking about the deliberate mating of animals to produce specific types of offspring, often for showing or companionship.
- In social commentary and analysis: When discussing how certain conditions or actions lead to the development of particular societal problems, emotions, or attitudes.
- In figurative language: To add emphasis to the idea that one thing is the origin or cause of another, often in a vivid or impactful way.
Understanding the context is key to grasping which meaning of 'breed' is being employed. Whether it's the natural process of life, a controlled effort to refine species, or the subtle emergence of feelings and situations, 'breed' effectively communicates the idea of creation and development.
Exemplos por nível
Selective breeding programs have successfully managed to breed cattle resistant to certain common diseases, significantly improving herd health and productivity.
Selective breeding programs have successfully managed to produce cattle resistant to certain common diseases, significantly improving herd health and productivity.
Here, 'breed' is used in the context of controlled reproduction for specific qualities.
The dire economic conditions in the region are likely to breed resentment and social unrest among the disenfranchised population.
The dire economic conditions in the region are likely to cause resentment and social unrest among the disenfranchised population.
This sentence uses 'breed' metaphorically, meaning 'to cause to develop'.
Conservationists are working diligently to breed endangered species in captivity, with the ultimate goal of reintroducing them into their natural habitats.
Conservationists are working diligently to reproduce endangered species in captivity, with the ultimate goal of reintroducing them into their natural habitats.
The verb 'breed' refers to the process of reproduction, especially in animals.
Such an insular environment can often breed a sense of complacency, hindering innovation and progress within the organization.
Such an insular environment can often foster a sense of complacency, hindering innovation and progress within the organization.
Similar to the previous metaphorical usage, 'breed' implies causing a feeling to develop.
Despite significant efforts, scientists are still struggling to breed certain deep-sea fish in an aquarium setting due to their specific environmental requirements.
Despite significant efforts, scientists are still struggling to reproduce certain deep-sea fish in an aquarium setting due to their specific environmental requirements.
Here, 'breed' directly refers to the act of producing offspring.
The contentious political climate threatens to breed further divisions within society, making consensus-building increasingly challenging.
The contentious political climate threatens to foster further divisions within society, making consensus-building increasingly challenging.
Another metaphorical use of 'breed' to signify causing something to develop.
Through generations of careful breeding, they managed to cultivate a new variety of rose known for its exceptionally vibrant color and robust fragrance.
Through generations of careful reproduction, they managed to cultivate a new variety of rose known for its exceptionally vibrant color and robust fragrance.
While often used for animals, 'breed' can also apply to plants in the context of controlled reproduction.
The intense competition within the industry can often breed a culture of secrecy, where companies are reluctant to share advancements or collaborate.
The intense competition within the industry can often create a culture of secrecy, where companies are reluctant to share advancements or collaborate.
This sentence uses 'breed' metaphorically to indicate the development of a certain culture or atmosphere.
Como usar
Usage Notes:
The verb "breed" is versatile and can be used in several contexts. Here are some common ways it's used, along with examples:
-
Biological Reproduction (Animals):
This is the most common and literal meaning. It refers to animals producing young.
- Example: "Many species of birds migrate south to breed in warmer climates."
- Example: "Rabbits are known to breed very quickly."
-
Selective Breeding/Rearing (Animals/Plants):
This refers to the intentional process of raising animals or cultivating plants for specific characteristics or purposes.
- Example: "Farmers breed cattle for milk production."
- Example: "She enjoys breeding rare orchid varieties in her greenhouse."
-
Cause or Produce (Figurative/Abstract):
In a more metaphorical sense, "breed" can mean to give rise to, create, or cause a particular feeling, situation, or characteristic to develop.
- Example: "Poverty can breed despair and hopelessness."
- Example: "Lack of communication often breeds misunderstanding."
- Example: "His arrogance tends to breed resentment among his colleagues."
-
Past Tense and Past Participle:
The past tense and past participle of "breed" is bred.
- Example: "These dogs were originally bred for hunting."
- Example: "His parents were bred in a small farming community." (referring to being raised or brought up)
Common Mistakes:
-
Confusing with "Breathe":
These two words sound similar but have completely different meanings. "Breed" (to reproduce) and "breathe" (to inhale and exhale air).
- Incorrect: "The fish need water to breed." (Should be "breathe")
- Correct: "The fish need water to breathe."
- Correct: "The fish need to find a suitable place to breed."
-
Using "Breed" for Human Reproduction (Generally):
While technically possible in a biological sense, "breed" is rarely used for human reproduction in polite or everyday conversation. It can sound impersonal, scientific, or even derogatory. Words like "have children," "reproduce," or "start a family" are much more appropriate.
- Awkward/Incorrect: "Many couples wish to breed."
- Better: "Many couples wish to have children."
- Context where it might be used: "The human species continues to breed successfully across the globe." (In a scientific or academic context when discussing populations).
-
Incorrect Past Tense/Participle:
Using "breeded" instead of "bred" is a common error.
- Incorrect: "The farmer breeded new varieties of corn."
- Correct: "The farmer bred new varieties of corn."
-
Overuse in Figurative Sense:
While valid, using "breed" metaphorically too frequently can make your language sound repetitive or overly formal. Consider synonyms like "cause," "generate," "create," "foster," or "develop" for variety.
- Example: "The strict rules might breed rebellion." (Acceptable)
- Alternative: "The strict rules might cause rebellion." (Also good)
Teste-se 60 perguntas
Write a simple sentence about what a cat does with its babies. Use the word 'breed' or 'breeds'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
A cat breeds its babies.
Complete the sentence: 'Farmers often ____ animals for milk.'
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Farmers often breed animals for milk.
Write a short sentence about why people breed dogs. Use the word 'breed'.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
People breed dogs to have pets.
What do dogs do to have puppies?
Read this passage:
Dogs can have puppies. When dogs have puppies, we say they breed. Farmers also breed animals like cows for milk.
What do dogs do to have puppies?
The passage says, 'When dogs have puppies, we say they breed.'
The passage says, 'When dogs have puppies, we say they breed.'
Why do some people breed fish?
Read this passage:
Some people breed fish in a tank. They want to have more fish. It is fun to watch the fish breed.
Why do some people breed fish?
The passage states, 'They want to have more fish.'
The passage states, 'They want to have more fish.'
What does the farmer want more of?
Read this passage:
A farmer has many sheep. He wants more sheep for wool. So, he will breed his sheep.
What does the farmer want more of?
The passage says, 'He wants more sheep for wool.'
The passage says, 'He wants more sheep for wool.'
This sentence talks about how dogs have baby dogs, which are called puppies. 'Breed' means to make babies.
Farmers help cows have baby cows so they can have more milk and meat. 'Breed' means to help animals make babies.
When you eat good food, you often feel happy. 'Breed' here means to cause or create happiness.
Farmers ___ cows for milk and meat.
To 'breed' means to keep animals for reproduction to develop specific qualities, like milk and meat.
Rabbits ___ very quickly.
To 'breed' means to produce offspring. Rabbits are known for reproducing quickly.
This kind of weather can ___ many mosquitoes.
In this context, 'breed' means to cause a situation to develop, like the development of mosquitoes due to certain weather conditions.
Dogs are often ___ for specific jobs, like guarding.
The past tense of 'breed' is 'bred'. Dogs are intentionally reproduced for specific qualities or purposes.
A good environment will ___ happy and healthy children.
Metaphorically, 'breed' can mean to cause a particular situation or feeling to develop, like a good environment leading to happy children.
Many types of fish ___ in warm water.
Fish produce offspring, or 'breed', in suitable conditions like warm water.
Which animal can easily ______ in cold places?
To 'breed' means to have babies. Some animals are good at having babies in cold places.
Farmers try to ______ strong horses for work.
When farmers 'breed' animals, they help them have babies that are good for a certain job, like working.
Too much rain can ______ mosquitoes.
When there is a lot of rain, mosquitoes can 'breed' more, meaning they have more babies and grow in number.
A cat can breed kittens.
Yes, 'breed' means to produce offspring, so a cat can breed kittens.
You can breed a car.
No, 'breed' is used for animals and plants having babies. You cannot breed a car.
Good ideas can breed more good ideas.
Yes, 'breed' can also mean to cause something to develop, so good ideas can lead to more good ideas.
Write a sentence using 'breed' to talk about animals having babies.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Farmers often breed cows to have more milk.
Write a sentence using 'breed' to describe how a hobby can create a feeling.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Reading good books can breed happiness.
Write a short sentence about what farmers do to breed animals for special qualities.
Well written! Good try! Check the sample answer below.
Sample answer
Farmers breed strong horses for racing.
What does the neighbor do with her dogs?
Read this passage:
My neighbor has many dogs. She loves to take care of them. Sometimes, she helps her dogs breed to have cute puppies. She sells the puppies to good homes.
What does the neighbor do with her dogs?
The passage says, 'Sometimes, she helps her dogs breed to have cute puppies.'
The passage says, 'Sometimes, she helps her dogs breed to have cute puppies.'
What can dark clouds breed?
Read this passage:
Dark clouds can breed a storm. When you see many dark clouds, it often means rain is coming soon. Sometimes, it can mean a big storm is on its way.
What can dark clouds breed?
The passage states, 'Dark clouds can breed a storm.'
The passage states, 'Dark clouds can breed a storm.'
Why do some people breed fish in a tank?
Read this passage:
Some people like to breed fish in a tank. They choose special fish to make new, beautiful fish. It takes time and care to breed fish successfully.
Why do some people breed fish in a tank?
The passage says, 'They choose special fish to make new, beautiful fish.'
The passage says, 'They choose special fish to make new, beautiful fish.'
Farmers often ___ sheep for their wool.
To 'breed' animals means to keep them for reproduction to develop specific qualities, like wool in sheep.
Carelessness can ___ many problems.
In this context, 'breed' is used metaphorically to mean 'cause to develop'. Carelessness can cause many problems to develop.
Some animals only ___ once a year.
To 'breed' means to produce offspring through sexual reproduction, which happens at specific times for some animals.
The constant rain began to ___ a feeling of sadness.
Here, 'breed' is used metaphorically to mean 'cause to develop'. The rain caused a feeling of sadness to develop.
They want to ___ a new type of rose with a stronger scent.
To 'breed' plants means to control their reproduction to develop specific qualities, like a stronger scent in roses.
It's important to choose healthy animals to ___ from.
When discussing animal reproduction, 'breed from' means to use those animals for producing offspring.
Think about the controlled process of animal reproduction.
Consider the metaphorical sense of causing a situation to develop.
Focus on producing offspring for conservation.
Read this aloud:
Can you explain how selective breeding has influenced domesticated animals?
Focus: selective breeding influenced domesticated
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
In what ways can a lack of communication breed misunderstanding in a team?
Focus: lack communication breed misunderstanding
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
Describe the process of breeding a specific type of flower or plant, if you know of one.
Focus: process breeding specific flower plant
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence refers to the controlled process of keeping animals for reproduction to develop specific qualities.
This sentence describes the primary definition of 'breed' as in animals producing offspring.
This sentence uses 'breed' metaphorically to mean causing a particular feeling to develop.
Consider the implications of unchecked breeding practices.
Think about the challenges in agricultural breeding.
Focus on the metaphorical use of 'bred'.
Read this aloud:
Discuss the ethical considerations surrounding selective breeding in both animal husbandry and human genetics, weighing the potential benefits against inherent risks.
Focus: ethical considerations, selective breeding, animal husbandry, human genetics, potential benefits, inherent risks
Você disse:
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Read this aloud:
Explain how certain socio-economic conditions can breed resentment and social unrest within a populace, drawing parallels to historical examples.
Focus: socio-economic conditions, breed resentment, social unrest, populace, historical examples
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
Read this aloud:
Elaborate on the challenges faced by conservationists attempting to breed endangered species in captivity while simultaneously aiming for their eventual reintroduction into the wild.
Focus: challenges, conservationists, breed endangered species, captivity, eventual reintroduction, wild
Você disse:
Speech recognition is not supported in your browser. Try Chrome or Edge.
This sentence uses 'breed' in its metaphorical sense, meaning to cause a particular feeling (resentment) to develop.
This sentence uses 'breed' in the context of controlled reproduction to develop specific qualities in animals.
This sentence uses 'breed' in its primary sense, referring to animals producing offspring through sexual reproduction.
/ 60 correct
Perfect score!
Exemplo
Many people breed goldfish in their backyard ponds as a hobby.
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