bread
A primary food staple made from flour or meal that is moistened, kneaded, and baked. In a broader sociopolitical or academic context, it often symbolizes basic sustenance, livelihood, or the fundamental requirements for human survival.
Examples
3 of 5I need to stop by the bakery to pick up a fresh loaf of whole-grain bread for dinner.
I need to stop by the bakery to pick up a fresh loaf of whole-grain bread for dinner.
The state's primary responsibility during the crisis was to ensure the equitable distribution of bread and water.
The state's primary responsibility during the crisis was to ensure the equitable distribution of bread and water.
I'm just working this extra shift to get some extra bread for my holiday trip.
I'm just working this extra shift to get some extra bread for my holiday trip.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'B' in bread standing for 'Basic'—it is the most basic food in many cultures.
Quick Quiz
The consultant explained that digital marketing was the company's ____ and butter, providing most of their income.
Correct!
The correct answer is: bread
Examples
I need to stop by the bakery to pick up a fresh loaf of whole-grain bread for dinner.
everydayI need to stop by the bakery to pick up a fresh loaf of whole-grain bread for dinner.
The state's primary responsibility during the crisis was to ensure the equitable distribution of bread and water.
formalThe state's primary responsibility during the crisis was to ensure the equitable distribution of bread and water.
I'm just working this extra shift to get some extra bread for my holiday trip.
informalI'm just working this extra shift to get some extra bread for my holiday trip.
Sociological studies often utilize the price of bread as a key metric for measuring urban economic distress.
academicSociological studies often utilize the price of bread as a key metric for measuring urban economic distress.
The company’s bread-and-butter product continues to generate steady revenue despite market volatility.
businessThe company’s bread-and-butter product continues to generate steady revenue despite market volatility.
Synonyms
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
The best thing since sliced bread
The best thing since sliced bread
Know which side your bread is buttered on
Know which side your bread is buttered on
Take the bread out of someone's mouth
Take the bread out of someone's mouth
Often Confused With
Bred is the past tense of the verb 'breed' (e.g., pure-bred dogs), whereas bread is the food.
Breadth refers to the width or extent of something, not the food.
Usage Notes
In English, 'bread' is an uncountable (mass) noun. To refer to a single unit, you must use a counter like 'a loaf of' or 'a slice of'.
Common Mistakes
Learners often mistakenly say 'a bread' or 'two breads' instead of 'a piece of bread' or 'two loaves of bread'.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'B' in bread standing for 'Basic'—it is the most basic food in many cultures.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English 'bread', which originally meant 'morsel', 'crumb', or 'piece of food'.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In many Western cultures, bread is a symbol of life and shared community, hence the phrase 'to break bread' meaning to eat together in friendship.
Quick Quiz
The consultant explained that digital marketing was the company's ____ and butter, providing most of their income.
Correct!
The correct answer is: bread
Related Grammar Rules
Related Vocabulary
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