What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
procreating
Example
The main purpose of most living organisms is procreating. [procreating: verb]
Example
The study of procreating behavior in animals is fascinating. [procreating: gerund or present participle]
breeding
Example
The farmer breeds cows for their milk production. [breeds: verb]
Example
The breeding of racehorses requires careful selection and management. [breeding: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Procreating is more commonly used than breeding in everyday language, as it is a more general term that covers a wider range of contexts. Breeding is more technical and specific to certain fields, such as animal husbandry or genetics.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between procreating and breeding?
Breeding is generally considered more formal than procreating, as it is a technical term used in specific fields. Procreating is a neutral term that can be used in both formal and informal contexts.