Bread Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bread

[bred ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

food

Bread is a staple food made from flour, water, and yeast or baking powder. It is typically baked in an oven and is often served as a side dish or used for making sandwiches.

Synonyms

baguette, loaf, roll.

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Word Description / Examples
bread

General term for baked food made from flour and water. Can be used in a wide range of situations.

  • I like to have bread with my soup.
  • Can you buy some bread on your way home?
loaf

A whole, usually rectangular, piece of bread meant to be sliced for serving. Use it when referring to an entire piece of bread.

  • She baked a loaf of banana bread.
  • Please slice the loaf for sandwiches.
roll

A small, round or oblong individual serving of bread, often used in casual dining situations or as a side dish.

  • I love putting butter on a warm roll.
  • They served dinner rolls with the main course.
baguette

Specific type of long, narrow French bread with a crispy crust, often used in contexts related to French cuisine or culture.

  • We had a baguette with cheese for lunch.
  • He bought a fresh baguette from the bakery.

Examples of usage

  • I love the smell of freshly baked bread in the morning.
  • Do you want butter on your bread?
Context #2 | Noun

money

In slang, 'bread' is sometimes used to refer to money or cash.

Synonyms

cash, dough, money.

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Word Description / Examples
bread

Used informally to refer to money, often in casual conversations.

  • I need some bread to pay my rent
money

A general term for currency and other forms of wealth, appropriate in both formal and informal contexts.

  • How much money do we need for this project?
cash

Refers specifically to physical currency such as bills and coins, used in both formal and informal contexts.

  • Do you have any cash on you?
dough

A slang term for money, often used in informal settings, especially among friends.

  • I need to save some dough for the trip

Examples of usage

  • He makes a lot of bread working as a lawyer.
  • I need to earn some more bread to pay the bills.
Context #3 | Verb

provide with the means of subsistence

To 'bread' means to provide someone with the means of subsistence or livelihood.

Synonyms

provide for, support, sustain.

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Word Description / Examples
bread

Refers to food made from flour and water that is baked. It commonly appears in everyday meals.

  • I bought a loaf of bread for breakfast
  • She made a sandwich with whole grain bread
support

Implies offering help or encouragement. Can refer to emotional, financial, or logistical assistance.

  • She supported her friend through a tough time
  • They provide support for small businesses
sustain

Used when referring to maintaining or prolonging something. Often related to keeping something going over time.

  • The energy from the food sustained him during the long hike
  • They work to sustain the local wildlife
provide for

Used when talking about meeting the needs of someone or something, especially financially or through resources.

  • He works hard to provide for his family
  • The charity aims to provide for those in need

Examples of usage

  • The charity helps to bread families in need.
  • It is important to bread those who are less fortunate.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • In many cultures, bread is a symbol of hospitality and sharing, often served during gatherings.
  • Breaking bread is a common phrase representing unity and coming together in many traditions.
  • In Western Christianity, bread is central during celebrations like Communion, symbolizing the body of Christ.
  • Sourdough has become a beloved trend in recent years, with many people embracing home baking and fermentation.

Nutrition

  • Whole grain breads are often healthier options because they contain more nutrients and fiber.
  • People have developed gluten-free alternatives in response to food sensitivities and celiac disease.
  • Certain types of bread, like artisan or sourdough, undergo fermentation processes that can improve digestibility.
  • Bread has been a dietary staple for thousands of years and varies significantly in types and recipes across cultures.

History

  • Evidence of bread-making dates back over 14,000 years, predating agriculture.
  • During the Roman Empire, bakers were organized into guilds, establishing bread as a professional trade.
  • In medieval Europe, laws were established to control the price and weight of bread, reflecting its economic importance.
  • The invention of the bread-making machine in the 20th century revolutionized home baking.

Pop Culture

  • The phrase 'the breadwinner' denotes someone who earns money for their family, highlighting the role of bread as a basic need.
  • 'Bread and circuses' is a term originating from Roman times, referring to superficial appeasement through food and entertainment.
  • Various films and books use bread as a motif to symbolize sustenance, community, or struggle against scarcity.
  • The popularity of food documentaries has led to a resurgence in interest in traditional bread-making techniques and artisan products.

Origin of 'bread'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'bread' comes from the Old English 'brēad', meaning a piece or bit.
  • In many languages, the word for 'bread' also means 'food', showing its importance in diets worldwide.
  • The ancient Egyptians were among the first to bake bread, using a mix of wheat and water.
  • The word 'loaf' originates from the Old English 'hlaef', which referred to bread baked in a round shape.

The word 'bread' comes from the Old English word 'bread', which is derived from the Proto-Germanic word 'braudam'. Bread has been a staple food in many cultures for thousands of years, with evidence of bread-making dating back to ancient civilizations such as Egypt and Mesopotamia. It has played a significant role in human history and continues to be a fundamental part of diets around the world.


See also: breadth, flatbread.

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,782, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.