breeding

/'bri:diɳ/

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The word "breeding" can be understood in different ways, primarily as a noun and a verb. Let’s break it down for you!

Definition:

1. As a Noun:

   • Breeding refers to the process of producing offspring, especially in animals and plants. It can also refer to the way animals or plants are raised to enhance certain traits (like size, color, or health).
   • It can also mean the upbringing or rearing of a person, particularly in terms of manners and social skills.

2. As a Verb (to breed):

   • It means to mate or to cause to reproduce.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "breeding" when discussing animals, plants, or even people in terms of their upbringing or refinement.
• It is often used in contexts involving agriculture, animal husbandry, or discussions about social behavior.

Examples:

1. Animals/Plants:

   • "Farmers often focus on breeding cattle to produce better milk."

2. Upbringing:

   • "She comes from a family of good breeding, which is reflected in her manners."

3. Verb Example:

   • "They are breeding new varieties of tomatoes in the greenhouse."

Advanced Usage:

• In scientific contexts, “breeding” can refer to specific methods like inbreeding (breeding within a closed group to maintain certain traits) or hybridization (breeding different species for desired traits).
• In social discussions, “breeding” can refer to the cultural and educational background that shapes a person’s behavior.

Word Variants:

• Bred (past tense of breed)
• Breeder (someone who breeds animals or plants)
• Breeeding stock (animals used for reproduction)

Different Meanings:

• Biological: The act of mating and producing offspring.
• Social: Refers to a person’s upbringing or manners, often implying a certain level of sophistication or refinement.

Synonyms:

• For biological context: reproduction, propagation, production.
• For social context: upbringing, refinement, cultivation.

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• "To breed like rabbits": This phrase means to reproduce quickly and in large numbers.
• "Breeding ground": This can refer to an environment that is conducive to developing or growing something, often used in a negative context (like crime or problems).

Summary:

In summary, "breeding" is a versatile word that applies to both biological reproduction and social upbringing.

Academic

Adjective

1. producing offspring or set aside especially for producing offspring
   • the breeding population
   • retained a few bulls for breeding purposes

Noun

1. the sexual activity of conceiving and bearing offspring
2. the production of animals or plants by inbreeding or hybridization
3. helping someone grow up to be an accepted member of the community
   • they debated whether nature or nurture was more important
4. the result of good upbringing (especially knowledge of correct social behavior)
   • a woman of breeding and refinement
5. elegance by virtue of fineness of manner and expression

Synonyms

• reproduction
• procreation
• facts of life
• bringing up
• fostering
• fosterage
• nurture
• raising
• rearing
• upbringing
• education
• training
• genteelness
• gentility