purebred
Intermediate (B1)
IPA: /ˈpjʊəˌbrɛd/
KK: /ˈpjʊrˌbrɛd/
adjective
Definition
Relating to animals or plants that come from a specific breed and have not been mixed with others, ensuring they have a pure lineage.
Example
The dog is a purebred, meaning it comes from a long line of the same breed without any crossbreeding.
Conversation
Have you seen that new puppy next door?
Yeah, I heard it's a purebred Labrador.
I didn't know they were so expensive!
They really are, especially if they're purebred.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
thoroughbred
thorough
unmixed
Antonyms
mixed
hybrid
impure
noun
Definition
An animal that belongs to a recognized breed and has parents of the same breed, often bred for specific qualities or characteristics.
Example
The dog show featured many beautiful purebreds from various breeds.
Conversation
I just saw a beautiful purebred dog at the park today.
Really? What breed was it?
It was a golden retriever, so elegant and well-groomed.
Root Explanation
Purebred → It is formed from "pure" (from Old French *pur*, meaning clean or unmixed) and "bred" (from Old English *bredan*, meaning to breed or raise). The word "purebred" refers to an animal that is bred from parents of the same breed, thus maintaining its purity of lineage.
Memory Tip
Think of 'pure' meaning clean or unmixed, and 'bred' meaning raised — this helps you remember that a purebred is an animal raised from a clean lineage.
Visually Confused Words
spurred
rebreed
prebend