Branch: meaning, definitions and examples

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branch

[bræntʃ ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

of a tree

A part of a tree that grows out from the trunk or a bough.

Synonyms

bough, limb, twig.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
branch	General term for a part of a tree that grows out from the trunk. It can be used in botanical or casual contexts. The bird built its nest on a high branch. He chopped off the lower branches of the tree.
limb	A large or main branch of a tree. It can also refer to a human or animal's arm or leg, but in this context, it's for trees. It's often used to describe branches that are significant in size. A strong storm broke the limb of the old tree. He climbed to the highest limb he could reach.
bough	Refers to a larger, main branch of a tree, typically used in more formal or literary contexts. The swing hung from the sturdy bough of the oak tree. Snow weighed down the boughs of the pine tree.
twig	Refers to a very small, thin branch or shoot of a tree or bush, perfect for describing finer or more delicate parts. She picked up a twig from the ground. The child used twigs to start the campfire.

Examples of usage

The branches of the oak tree swayed in the wind.
She sat under the shade of the branches, reading a book.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

of an organization

A division or section of a larger organization, such as a company or government.

Synonyms

department, division, section.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
branch	Used to refer to a local office or a subdivision of a larger organization or structure. Often related to businesses or government services with multiple locations. I need to visit the bank branch to discuss my loan application \| The company opened a new branch in the downtown area
division	Indicates a larger unit within an organization that encompasses multiple departments or functions. Often used in corporations, military, or large institutions. The company’s technology division is expanding \| He is the head of the sales division
section	Typically used for smaller parts within a department, publication, or document. It can also refer to a specific area within a place or event. The library has a section for children's books \| Please refer to Section 3 of the report for the results
department	Refers to a specialized section within a larger organization, typically in businesses, universities, or government. Commonly used to denote a specific area of responsibility. She works in the marketing department \| The university has a department for each subject area

Examples of usage

The company opened a new branch in the city center.
He works at the local branch of the bank.

^{Context #3 | Verb}

to diverge or spread out

To diverge or spread out from a central point.

Synonyms

diverge, extend, spread.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
branch	Used to refer to parts of a tree or to divisions within an organization or system. The tree has many strong branches. She works at the downtown branch of the library.
diverge	Used when talking about things that move or extend in different directions from a common point, often used in a more abstract sense. The two roads diverge here; you can go either left or right. Their opinions tend to diverge on that subject.
spread	Used when talking about something that covers a wide area or moves over a surface, often implying movement or expansion. The fire spread quickly through the forest. She spread butter on the toast.
extend	Used when something is stretched out or made longer in either a physical or temporal sense. We need to extend the deadline by a week. The bridge extends across the river.

Examples of usage

The river branch into smaller streams as it flowed through the valley.
His thoughts began to branch into different directions.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word 'branch' comes from the Old French term 'branche', which also means the limb of a tree.
It has roots in the Latin word 'branca', meaning 'claw' or 'fang', hinting at how branches spread out like a claw.
In Middle English, 'branch' referred to any part of a tree, making its meaning broaden over time.

Botany

Branches help trees grow by extending their reach to capture sunlight and gather nutrients.
They play a critical role in the tree's overall structure, supporting leaves and reproductive organs like flowers and fruits.
The pattern in which branches grow is often specific to the type of tree, influencing aesthetics and stability.

Symbolism

In various cultures, branches symbolize growth and new beginnings, often featured in rituals and ceremonies.
The concept of branching out is often associated with personal growth and making new choices in life.
Branches can also represent connections in art and literature, illustrating how different paths may diverge and come together.

Pop Culture

In popular fairy tales, trees with expansive branches often serve as mystical hiding places for characters or treasures.
The iconic Tree of Life, depicted in various cultures, has numerous branches symbolizing interconnectedness among all forms of life.
Movies and video games sometimes illustrate branching storylines, where choices lead to different outcomes, much like tree branches diverging.

Science

Branches are essential in the study of ecology, as they provide habitats for various bird species and insects.
In evolutionary biology, the concept of a 'branch' is used to explain how species diverge over time from a common ancestor.
The study of tree architecture includes understanding how branches adapt to mechanical stresses for better survival.

Translations

Translations of the word "branch" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ramo

filial
galho

🇮🇳 शाखा

🇩🇪 Zweig

Filiale
Ast

🇮🇩 cabang

🇺🇦 гілка

🇵🇱 gałąź

🇯🇵 枝 (えだ)

🇫🇷 branche

succursale
ramification

🇪🇸 rama

🇹🇷 dal

🇰🇷 가지

🇸🇦 فرع

🇨🇿 větev

🇸🇰 vetva

🇨🇳 分支 (fēnzhī)

🇸🇮 veja

🇮🇸 grein

🇰🇿 бұтақ

🇬🇪 ტოტი

🇦🇿 budaq

🇲🇽 rama

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,651, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.

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1648 receiving
1649 relationships
1650 chosen
1651 branch
1652 silver
1653 bond
1654 message
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