bred crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk, your ultimate resource for solving tricky crossword clues. On this page, you'll find comprehensive answers and detailed explanations for the clue "bred crossword clue", organized by letter count to help you pinpoint the exact solution you need.
Solutions for "bred crossword clue" by Letter Count
4 Letters
REAR: To bring up and educate a child or young animal, or to cultivate plants.
5 Letters
SIRED: Of a male animal, to be the father of (offspring). Often used in the context of breeding animals.
6 Letters
RAISED: To bring up (a child) or rear (an animal). This is a very common synonym for "bred" in crossword puzzles.
8 Letters
NURTURED: To care for and encourage the growth or development of someone or something. Similar to being bred or brought up with care.
More About "bred crossword clue"
The word "bred" is highly versatile and frequently appears in crosswords, often requiring you to consider its various connotations. Primarily, it refers to the process of raising or rearing, whether it be children, animals, or even ideas and qualities. Therefore, answers like RAISED or REAR are common. However, it can also imply the act of procreation or generation, leading to solutions such as SIRED or even spawned in different contexts.
Beyond the literal sense of producing offspring or raising, "bred" can also delve into lineage or upbringing, suggesting the inherent qualities or social conditioning of a person or animal. For instance, "well-bred" implies good manners or a distinguished background. When encountering "bred" in a crossword, always consider the surrounding words in the clue and the number of letters required for the answer, as these are critical clues to its specific meaning in that puzzle.
Understanding these subtle nuances is key to mastering clues like "bred." Crossword setters love to play on words with multiple meanings, and "bred" is a prime example of such a word. By thinking about whether the clue refers to a process, an outcome, or a characteristic, you can significantly narrow down the possibilities.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Context is King: Always read the full clue carefully. Does it refer to animals, people, or abstract concepts? This will guide you to the correct synonym for "bred."
- Letter Count Matters: Use the given number of letters as a powerful filter. If you're thinking of "RAISED" (6 letters) but the answer space is 4 letters, then "REAR" might be the intended solution.
- Check Surrounding Letters: If you have a few letters already filled in from intersecting words, use them to confirm or narrow down your potential answers for "bred."
- Think Beyond the Obvious: While "raised" is common, "bred" can also mean "sired," "nurtured," or even "educated." Don't be afraid to consider less common but accurate synonyms.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are common meanings of "bred" in crosswords?
"Bred" often refers to being brought up (raised, reared), educated, or having an origin/lineage. It can also mean to produce offspring (sired, reproduced).
How can context help solve "bred" clues?
The context of the clue is crucial. If it's about animals, "sired" or "reared" might fit. If it's about people or education, "raised" or "nurtured" could be appropriate. The number of letters in the answer is also a key indicator.
Are there specific types of "bred" clues?
Yes, "bred" can imply: Upbringing: "Bred for success" (raised, nurtured, educated). Procreation: "Cows bred in pastures" (reproduced, sired, delivered). Origin/Lineage: "Well-bred dog" (of good lineage, aristocratic).