breeding
Breeding refers to the process of producing offspring, especially in a controlled or systematic way for animals or plants. It can also describe the upbringing or education of a person that results in refined social manners.
Examples
3 of 5The family has been involved in dog breeding for three generations.
The family has been active in the professional production of dogs for three generations.
The program aims to increase the population of endangered species through captive breeding.
The initiative seeks to grow the numbers of rare animals by managing their reproduction in controlled environments.
That swamp is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
That wetland is an ideal place for mosquitoes to reproduce and multiply.
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'ee' in 'breeding' as two eyes of a parent and an offspring looking at each other.
Quick Quiz
Scientists are using ___ breeding to create wheat that can grow in salty soil.
Correct!
The correct answer is: selective
Examples
The family has been involved in dog breeding for three generations.
everydayThe family has been active in the professional production of dogs for three generations.
The program aims to increase the population of endangered species through captive breeding.
formalThe initiative seeks to grow the numbers of rare animals by managing their reproduction in controlled environments.
That swamp is a perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes.
informalThat wetland is an ideal place for mosquitoes to reproduce and multiply.
Selective breeding has allowed farmers to develop crops that are resistant to drought.
academicThe scientific method of choosing specific parents has enabled the creation of plants that survive without much water.
Investing in the horse breeding industry requires significant capital and knowledge of genetics.
businessPutting money into the professional horse production business needs a lot of wealth and biological expertise.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
a breeding ground for trouble
a situation or place where problems are likely to develop
good breeding
polite manners resulting from a high-quality upbringing
breeding in captivity
animals reproducing while being kept by humans
Often Confused With
Breading is a coating of breadcrumbs on food before cooking, whereas breeding is about reproduction.
Breed is usually a noun for a specific variety (e.g., a Labrador) or a verb, while breeding is the process or the noun for upbringing.
Usage Notes
Use 'breeding' when discussing biological reproduction in an academic or technical sense. When referring to people, 'breeding' is a somewhat old-fashioned way to describe their social class and manners.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misspell it as 'breading' or use the verb 'breed' when they should use the gerund/noun form 'breeding' to describe the overall process.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'ee' in 'breeding' as two eyes of a parent and an offspring looking at each other.
Word Origin
Derived from the Old English word 'bredan', which means to bring to birth, cherish, or keep warm.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In British English, 'good breeding' historically referred to the upper-class social etiquette and lineage.
Quick Quiz
Scientists are using ___ breeding to create wheat that can grow in salty soil.
Correct!
The correct answer is: selective
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