What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
breeding
Example
The farmer is breeding cows to have better milk production. [breeding: verb]
Example
Selective breeding has led to the development of new dog breeds. [breeding: noun]
propagation
Example
You can propagate this plant by taking a cutting and placing it in water. [propagate: verb]
Example
The propagation of these flowers is done through seeds. [propagation: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Breeding is more commonly used than propagation in everyday language, especially in the fields of agriculture and animal husbandry. Propagation, on the other hand, is more commonly used in the context of gardening, horticulture, and plant cultivation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between breeding and propagation?
Both breeding and propagation can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, breeding is often associated with a more technical and specialized tone due to its usage in the field of genetics and animal breeding.