breed crossword – All Crossword Answers
Welcome to Crosswordanswer.co.uk! Below, you'll find comprehensive solutions for the clue "breed crossword", meticulously organized by letter count to help you quickly complete your puzzle. Whether you're looking for a verb or a noun, we have the answer you need.
Solutions for "breed crossword" by Letter Count
4 Letters
SIRE: To be the male parent of (an animal).
REAR: To bring up and care for (young animals or children).
KIND: A group of people or things sharing similar characteristics, akin to a type of breed.
TYPE: A category of people or things having common characteristics, often used interchangeably with breed.
5 Letters
RAISE: To bring up or foster (animals or children).
BEGET: (Of a man or a male animal) bring (a child or young animal) into existence by the process of reproduction.
7 Letters
PRODUCE: To create or cause to come into existence, often used for generating offspring.
NURTURE: To care for and encourage the growth or development of living things.
8 Letters
GENERATE: To produce or create something, including new life.
9 Letters
PROPAGATE: To reproduce or multiply (plants, animals, etc.).
More About "breed crossword"
The clue "breed crossword" is a classic example of a versatile word in crosswords, often appearing in both its verb and noun forms. As a verb, "breed" refers to the act of procreating or producing offspring, particularly in the context of animals or plants. This can lead to answers such as SIRE, REAR, or PRODUCE, depending on the nuances of the clue and the number of letters required.
Conversely, "breed" can also function as a noun, denoting a specific kind, type, or variety of animal or plant, typically developed by selective breeding. In this context, answers like KIND, TYPE, or even STRAIN (though not directly provided above for brevity, it's a common option) become relevant. Understanding which grammatical form the clue demands is crucial for successful solving, and observing the clue's surrounding words can often provide the necessary hint.
Crossword setters love words like "breed" because their multiple meanings allow for clever misdirection. Always consider both possibilities before committing to an answer. The context of other solved clues in the puzzle can also guide you towards the correct interpretation, ensuring you pick the perfect word to complete your grid.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Distinguish Verb from Noun: For clues like "breed," always consider if the setter is looking for an action (e.g., "to propagate") or a category (e.g., "a type of dog"). The phrasing of the clue is your best indicator.
- Check Surrounding Clues: Sometimes, the theme of the puzzle or the nature of adjacent clues can hint at whether an animal, plant, or a more abstract 'creation' is implied.
- Mind the Letter Count: After determining if it's a verb or a noun, use the number of letters given to narrow down the possibilities. For example, if it's a 4-letter verb for "breed," SIRE or REAR are strong contenders.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does 'breed' mean in a crossword clue?
'Breed' can be used as both a verb and a noun in crosswords. As a verb, it means to procreate or produce offspring (e.g., 'to breed animals'). As a noun, it refers to a particular kind or type of animal or plant (e.g., 'a specific dog breed'). The context of the clue usually helps determine which meaning is intended.
Are there common synonyms for 'breed' used in crosswords?
Yes, common synonyms for the verb 'breed' include SIRE, REAR, RAISE, BEGET, PRODUCE, NURTURE, GENERATE, and PROPAGATE. For the noun 'breed', answers like KIND, TYPE, STRAIN, or VARIETY are frequently seen.
How can I distinguish between the verb and noun meanings of 'breed' in a clue?
Look for grammatical cues. If the clue implies an action (e.g., 'to parent an animal,' 'raise offspring'), it's likely a verb. If it suggests a category or group (e.g., 'dog type,' 'a kind of cat'), it's probably a noun. Sometimes, accompanying words like 'to' or 'a' can be helpful indicators.