ENGLISH
REFERENCE

branded

v. · adj.
US //ˈbɹændɪd// UK //bɹˈændɪd// brand·ed
  1. 1 to label someone negatively (v.)
    B1 Intermediate

    to describe someone as being something bad, like a liar or a criminal, in a way that is hard to change.

    to assign a lasting and typically pejorative label to a person or group. Often used in the passive voice with 'as'.

    Example

    After the scandal, he was branded a liar by the local newspapers.

    Example

    The whistleblower was unfairly branded a traitor by his former colleagues, despite his efforts to protect the public interest.

    Usage

    Often follows the pattern 'to be branded as [noun/adjective]'.
  2. 2 to mark a product (v.)
    B2 Upper Intermediate

    to put a company name or logo on a product so people know who made it.

    to apply a brand name, logo, or trademark to a product or service to establish a market identity.

    Example

    The company branded all their pens with the new blue logo.

    Example

    The marketing team insisted that every piece of promotional material be consistently branded to ensure immediate recognition by consumers.

    Usage

    Transitive verb taking a direct object.
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  1. 3 made by a famous company (adj.)
    B1 Intermediate

    describing a product made by a well-known company rather than a cheap, generic version.

    denoting a product manufactured by a specific company under a particular name, typically contrasted with generic or store-brand goods.

    Example

    Branded goods are often more expensive than the supermarket's own version.

    Example

    The pharmacy offers both branded medications and cheaper generic alternatives that contain the same active ingredients.

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