What is bread? Pronunciation and usage in English

bread means . Learn how to pronounce and use bread through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of bread

breadnoun

/brɛd/
Definition & pronunciation of bread

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "bread" in English! It's a tricky one for non-native speakers because it doesn't follow typical English pronunciation rules.

Here's the breakdown:

  • The first syllable ("bread"): This is pronounced like "bred" – like the word "bred" (as in "bred dog"). It's a short, almost clipped sound. Your tongue should be slightly raised in your mouth.
  • The second syllable ("-d"): This is pronounced like "d" – just a simple, short "d" sound.

Putting it together: It sounds like "bred-d" (with a very quick pause between the two syllables).

Here are a few ways to hear it:

  • Google it: Simply search "how to pronounce bread" on Google or YouTube and you'll find tons of audio examples.
  • Forvo: https://forvo.com/word/bread/ is a great website with pronunciations by native speakers.

Common mistakes:

  • Saying "brayd" (like the animal): This is a very common mistake! Don't do it.
  • Linking the syllables too much: Keep that brief pause between "bred" and "d."

Do you want me to:

  • Repeat the pronunciation slowly?
  • Give you a more detailed explanation of the mouth positions?

Usage and examples with the word bread in English

Let's break down how to use the word "bread" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings! Here's a categorized breakdown:

1. Literal Bread (Food):

  • The primary meaning: This is the most common definition – baked food made from flour, water, and yeast (or other leavening agents).
    • Example: “I’m making bread for dinner tonight.”
    • Example: “She bought a loaf of whole wheat bread.”
    • Types of bread: sourdough, rye, baguette, challah, brioche, etc.

2. Figurative Bread (Metaphorical Uses):

This is where "bread" gets interesting. It’s used metaphorically, referring to something that sustains or nourishes something else.

  • 2.1 Subsistence/Basic Needs: This is the most common figurative use. It refers to the essentials needed to survive or keep something going.

    • Example: “Education is the bread of life.” (Meaning: Education is essential for a good life.)
    • Example: “Their business was solely dependent on selling bread and cheese.” (Meaning: They only made money from the basic, essential products they sold.)
    • Example: "He's just here for the bread." (Meaning: He's only doing something for the money or reward.) – This often has a negative connotation, suggesting someone isn't genuinely invested in the task.

  • 2.2 Support/Foundation: Bread can represent a fundamental base or building block.

    • Example: “The foundation of a good relationship is trust.” (You could say: “Trust is the bread of a good relationship.”)
    • Example: “Research is the bread upon which scientific theory is built.”

  • 2.3 A Source of Money/Income: Again, linked to the idea of necessities.

    • Example: "He’s trying to find bread and butter" (meaning: He is trying to find a way to earn money.) – This is an older idiom.

3. Bread (as a Verb):

  • To provide bread: To supply someone with food or necessities.
    • Example: “The church breathes bread to the homeless.” (Meaning: The church provides food to the homeless.)
  • To make bread: The act of baking bread.
    • Example: “My grandmother loves to bread her own loaves.”

4. Breadcrumbs (Food):

  • A mixture of dried bread, often with seasonings, used as a coating for food.
    • Example: “I dredged the chicken in breadcrumbs before frying it.”

Here’s a quick summary table:

Meaning Example
Literal Bread “I’m baking a loaf of rye bread.”
Subsistence “Knowledge is the bread of wisdom.”
Support/Foundation “Communication is the bread of friendship.”
Verb (to provide) “The shelter breads meals to refugees.”

Resources for Further Learning:

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Synonyms for the word bread

Idioms of the word bread

the best thing since sliced bread
(informal)if you say that something is the best thing since sliced bread, you think it is extremely good, interesting, etc.
    your daily bread
    the basic things that you need to live, especially food
      half a loaf (is better than no bread)
      (saying)you should be grateful for something, even if it is not as good, much, etc. as you really wanted; something is better than nothing
      • The offer only amounted to half a loaf, but campaigners grabbed it anyway.
      know which side your bread is buttered
      (informal)to know where you can get an advantage for yourself
        take the bread out of somebody’s mouth
        to take away somebody’s job so that they are no longer able to earn enough money to live

          Practice with vocabulary bread

          Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

          1. For breakfast, I usually have toast with butter, but sometimes I prefer just plain _____.
          2. The bakery on the corner sells fresh _____ every morning, along with pastries and cakes.
          3. She decided to make a sandwich, so she grabbed some _____ and a few slices of ham.
          4. In many cultures, rice is a staple food, but in others, it’s _____.

          Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

          1. Which of the following is a common staple food in Western cultures?
            a) Bread b) Rice c) Pasta d) All of the above

          2. What is the primary ingredient in a sandwich?
            a) Cheese b) Bread c) Lettuce d) Tomato

          3. Which word is NOT associated with baking?
            a) Bread b) Cake c) Soup d) Muffin

          4. Which of these is typically served as a side dish?
            a) Fries b) Bread c) Salad d) All of the above

          5. What is another word for a loaf?
            a) Bread b) Cake c) Roll d) Biscuit

          Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

          1. Original: She bought a baguette from the bakery.
            Rewrite: She bought a loaf of bread from the bakery.

          2. Original: They served crackers with the soup.
            Rewrite: They served bread with the soup.

          3. Original: He ate a slice of toast for breakfast.
            Rewrite: He ate a muffin for breakfast.

          Answer:

          Exercise 1:

          1. bread
          2. bread
          3. bread
          4. bread

          Exercise 2:

          1. d) All of the above
          2. b) Bread
          3. c) Soup
          4. d) All of the above
          5. a) Bread

          Exercise 3:

          1. She bought a loaf of bread from the bakery.
          2. They served bread with the soup.
          3. He ate a muffin for breakfast.

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