bred: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
B2Neutral to formal; common in written and spoken English, especially in biological, agricultural, and figurative contexts.
Quick answer
What does “bred” mean?
Past tense and past participle of 'breed' – to produce offspring, raise animals/plants, or cause something to develop.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
Past tense and past participle of 'breed' – to produce offspring, raise animals/plants, or cause something to develop.
Can refer to being raised or brought up in a particular way or environment; also used figuratively for things that are produced or generated (e.g., 'bred-in-the-bone' traits).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in meaning or usage. Spelling and pronunciation are consistent.
Connotations
Slightly more associated with agriculture/animal husbandry in both varieties, but equally used in figurative senses (e.g., 'well-bred').
Frequency
Equally common in both dialects.
Grammar
How to Use “bred” in a Sentence
NP be bred to VP (The dogs were bred to herd sheep)NP breed NP (They bred champion spaniels)NP be bred for NP (These roses are bred for colour)NP be bred from NP (The colt was bred from a famous sire)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “bred” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The farmer bred a new variety of sheep for the harsh climate.
- She was bred in Yorkshire and has the accent to prove it.
American English
- They bred these corn hybrids for drought resistance.
- He was bred to be polite and respectful in all situations.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare, except in specific industries like agriculture, biotechnology, or pedigree sales.
Academic
Common in biology, genetics, agriculture, and sociology texts discussing heredity, cultivation, or social upbringing.
Everyday
Used when talking about pets, farm animals, gardening, or someone's background/upbringing.
Technical
Precise term in animal husbandry, plant breeding, and genetics for controlled reproduction.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “bred”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “bred”
- Using 'breeded' (incorrect; the past is 'bred').
- Confusing 'bred' (verb) with 'bread' (noun).
- Using 'bred' for wild, uncontrolled reproduction (usually implies human agency).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is incorrect. The correct past tense and past participle is 'bred'.
Yes, it is commonly used in agriculture and horticulture (e.g., 'a newly bred rose variety').
'Bred' specifically refers to producing offspring or developing a lineage. 'Raised' is broader, focusing on the nurturing process after birth.
It can be written as 'purebred' (one word) or 'pure-bred' (hyphenated). Both are accepted, with 'purebred' being more common in modern usage.
Past tense and past participle of 'breed' – to produce offspring, raise animals/plants, or cause something to develop.
Bred is usually neutral to formal; common in written and spoken english, especially in biological, agricultural, and figurative contexts. in register.
Bred: in British English it is pronounced /brɛd/, and in American English it is pronounced /brɛd/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “bred in the bone”
- “born and bred”
- “ill-bred”
- “well-bred”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'bread' – you need good ingredients to make it, just as you need good parents to produce well-bred offspring.
Conceptual Metaphor
BREEDING IS CULTIVATION (developing desired traits through controlled processes).
Practice
Quiz
In the phrase 'bred in the bone', what does 'bred' most closely mean?