What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
brood
Example
The mother bird was busy feeding her brood of chicks. [brood: noun]
Example
The hen brooded over her eggs until they hatched. [brooded: past tense verb]
offspring
Example
The lioness protected her offspring from any danger. [offspring: noun]
Example
The scientist studied the offspring of the genetically modified plants. [offspring: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Offspring is more commonly used than brood in everyday language. Offspring is a versatile term that can be used in various contexts, while brood is more specific and often used in a biological or zoological context.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between brood and offspring?
Both brood and offspring can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, offspring is more commonly used in formal writing or scientific discussions due to its broader scope and neutral connotation.