Word
bred
Phoneticsbred
US/ˈbɹɛd/
UK/bɹˈɛd/
Definitions
01raised or produced
B2 · Upper Intermediate Science
v. the past tense of 'breed' — used when animals were raised or plants were grown for a specific purpose.
v. the past tense and past participle of 'breed', referring to the controlled reproduction of animals or plants to produce specific traits.
“These dogs were originally bred to help farmers herd sheep in the mountains.”
“The laboratory developed a new strain of wheat that was specifically bred for its resistance to drought and common fungal infections.”
Usage
As a past participle, it often functions as an adjective describing the origin or purpose of an organism.
Synonyms
02upbringing
C1 · Advanced Literary
v. used to describe the way someone was raised or the environment they grew up in.
v. the past participle of 'breed', used to denote a person's upbringing, social background, or ingrained manners.
“He was born and bred in a small fishing village on the coast.”
“Her quiet confidence suggested she was well bred, possessing a natural grace that only comes from a disciplined upbringing.”
Usage
Commonly found in the fixed idiom 'born and bred' to emphasize a person's lifelong connection to a place.
Idioms
01. born and bred
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Frequent
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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