breed
B1Neutral, with technical use in biology/agriculture.
Definition
Meaning
To produce offspring from animals or plants, especially in a controlled way to develop particular characteristics.
To cause something to develop, often something undesirable; to be the source of or to nurture a particular type of person, feeling, or situation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The noun form refers to a specific type within a species, especially of domestic animals, characterized by uniform appearance and behavior. The verb can apply literally to animals/plants or figuratively to emotions/situations (e.g., 'breed contempt').
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in core meaning or usage. Spelling of past tense 'bred' is consistent. The term is equally common in both varieties.
Connotations
Neutral in both, but the phrase 'purebred' is common in both AmE and BrE; 'thoroughbred' is strongly associated with horses.
Frequency
Equally frequent. The verb's figurative use ('breed trouble') is slightly more common in journalistic/written registers.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[NP] breed [NP] (transitive)[NP] breed (intransitive)[NP] breed [AdjP] (e.g., breed true)[NP] breed [AdvP] (e.g., breed well)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “A dying breed”
- “It takes all sorts (to make a world) – often referencing 'a strange breed'”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Potentially in 'a new breed of entrepreneur'.
Academic
Common in biological sciences for genetics/animal husbandry. Also in sociology: 'a breed apart'.
Everyday
Common when talking about pets (dog breeds) or figuratively ('familiarity breeds contempt').
Technical
Core term in veterinary science, zoology, and agriculture for controlled reproduction and lineage.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- They breed Labradors for their gentle temperament.
- Stagnant water breeds mosquitoes.
- Discontent was breeding in the ranks.
American English
- He breeds quarter horses on his ranch in Texas.
- Neglect breeds resentment over time.
- This variety breeds true from seed.
adjective
British English
- She owns a breed-standard Poodle.
- A breed-specific health scheme.
American English
- They follow the breed club guidelines.
- Breed-specific legislation is controversial.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- My dog is a friendly breed.
- Rabbits breed very quickly.
- What breed is your cat?
- Farmers breed sheep for wool and meat.
- Familiarity can breed contempt.
- The new breed of politician is more media-savvy.
- The programme aims to breed endangered species in captivity.
- Inequality often breeds social unrest.
- He is a rare breed: an honest politician in a corrupt system.
- The selective breeding programme has enhanced the disease resistance of the crop.
- The constant uncertainty bred a pervasive sense of anxiety in the workforce.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of 'breed' and 'seed' – both are about producing new life.
Conceptual Metaphor
IDEAS/QUALITIES ARE LIVING ORGANISMS (e.g., 'Poverty breeds crime.').
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating 'breed' (n.) as 'раса' (race for humans). Use 'порода' for animals.
- The verb 'разводить' covers 'breed', 'dilute', and 'divorce' – ensure correct context.
- Don't use 'воспитывать' (to bring up/educate a child) for 'to breed animals'.
Common Mistakes
- Incorrect past tense: 'breeded' instead of 'bred'.
- Using 'species' and 'breed' interchangeably (breed is a subdivision of a species).
- Using the noun for humans in a non-idiomatic, potentially offensive way (e.g., 'a breed of lawyers' is ok, but 'human breeds' is not).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following uses of 'breed' is CORRECT?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
A 'species' is a fundamental biological category of organisms that can interbreed. A 'breed' is a man-made variety within a single species (like dogs), created by selective breeding for specific traits.
It is generally avoided for direct, literal reference to human reproduction due to offensive historical connotations (eugenics). It is used idiomatically or figuratively (e.g., 'a new breed of artist', 'a dying breed').
The past tense and past participle are both 'bred' (irregular verb).
No. 'Crossbreed' is a hyponym (specific type) of breeding, meaning to breed two different breeds or varieties. An opposite in spirit might be 'sterilize' (to make unable to breed) or 'eradicate'.