branch
gb/bɹˈænt͡ʃ/ us/bɹˈænt͡ʃ/
A2
English
~ 1200
ág, fiók, fióktelep, kirendeltség, elágazik, leágazik, szétágazik
NOUN
A2
1
ág
A1
Usage pattern:
a branch of [a tree]
The squirrel ran along the branch.
A mókus végigfutott az ágon.
A heavy branch fell during the storm.
Egy nehéz ág letört a viharban.
Birds were nesting on the highest branch of the tree.
Learner examples
The cat is sitting on a branch.
A macska egy ágon ül.
I saw a bird on a branch.
Láttam egy madarat egy ágon.
A branch fell on the ground.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'branch' with 'stick'. A stick is usually a piece of wood that has fallen off or been cut from a tree, while a branch is still attached.
Meaning
Part of a tree that grows out from the trunk
Collocations
tree branch
|thick branch
|broken branch
|overhanging branch
Synonyms
limb (More general term for a large branch; also used for arms and legs.)
Themes
nature
|plants
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A part of a tree that grows from the main trunk or stem.
A part of a tree that grows outward from the trunk or a main stem, usually covered with leaves, flowers, or fruit.
NOUN
B1
2
Usage pattern:
a branch of [a company/bank]
The company opened a new branch in the city center.
A cég új fiókot nyitott a belvárosban.
I need to visit my bank's local branch.
El kell mennem a bankom helyi fiókjába.
Our firm has several branches across the country.
Learner examples
I work at the bank branch near my home.
Az otthonomhoz közeli bankfiókban dolgozom.
The shop has many branches in different cities.
Az üzletnek sok fióküzlete van különböző városokban.
They opened a new branch last year.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'branch' with 'franchise'. A franchise is owned by an individual under a brand, while a branch is owned by the main company.
Meaning
Local office or division of an organization
Collocations
bank branch
|local branch
|branch office
|open a branch
Synonyms
division (A formal section within an organization; not necessarily location-based.)
Themes
business
|commerce
|work
|core_vocabulary
Definition
An office or store that is part of a bigger company, usually in another place.
A local office, shop, or division that is part of a larger company or organization.
NOUN
B2
3
ág
B1
Usage pattern:
a branch of [science/law/etc.]
Botany is a branch of biology.
A botanika a biológia egyik ága.
This branch of mathematics deals with probability.
A matematika ezen ága a valószínűséggel foglalkozik.
There are three branches of government in the U.S.
Learner examples
Math has many branches like algebra and geometry.
A matematikának sok ága van, például az algebra és a geometria.
Biology is a branch of science.
A biológia a tudomány egyik ága.
Law has different branches.
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with 'department', which is more about organizational structure than subject matter.
Meaning
Subdivision of an area of study or activity
Collocations
branch of science
|branch of medicine
|branch of government
Synonyms
field (Often used more generally for an area of study or work.)
Themes
education
|science
|core_vocabulary
Definition
One part of a bigger subject or activity.
A distinct part or subdivision within a larger field of study, activity, or knowledge.
VERB
B1
4
Usage pattern:
[something] branches off/from [main thing]
The road branches off to the left after the bridge.
A híd után az út balra ágazik el.
This river branches into several smaller streams.
Ez a folyó több kisebb patakra ágazik szét.
The path branches in two directions.
Learner examples
The road branches into two ways.
Az út kétfelé ágazik el.
A small path branches off from the main road.
A főútról egy kis ösvény ágazik le.
The river branches into three parts.
Meaning
To divide into separate parts or paths
Collocations
branch off
|branch into
Synonyms
split (More general; can be used in many contexts beyond physical or structural separation.)
Antonyms
merge (To come together into one path or unit.)
Themes
travel
|structure
|space
|core_vocabulary
Definition
To split into two or more parts from the main part.
To separate into one or more parts from a main route, line, or structure.
Grammar
Dictionary form
branch
IPA
GB/bɹˈænt͡ʃ/
US/bɹˈænt͡ʃ/
Syllables & stress
branch (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (branch)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: branch
- Plural: branches
Verb
- Base: branch
- 3rd Person Singular: branches
- Present Participle: branching
- Past: branched
Word family
Forms
branches
noun
branching
verb
branched
verb
Negative and opposite forms
branchless
adjective
Expressions
branch off
1/bɹˈænt͡ʃ ˈɔf/
phrasal verb
Separate from main route/direction
To leave the main path and go in another direction.
Examples
- A small road branches off to the right here.
- Several hiking trails branch off from the main path.
branch out
1/bɹˈænt͡ʃ ˈaʊt/
phrasal verb
Expand into new areas of activity
To start doing different things from what you usually do.
Examples
- The company is branching out into new markets.
- After years in journalism, she decided to branch out into book writing.
olive branch
1/ˈɑlɪv bɹˈænt͡ʃ/
idiom
symbol or offer of peace
An action or thing that shows you want to stop a fight or argument and make peace.
Examples
- He offered an olive branch by apologizing for his mistake.
- The president offered an olive branch by agreeing to meet with the opposition leader.
- She sent flowers as an olive branch after their disagreement.
- Sending the apology letter was his olive branch after their long argument.
- As a sign of peace, the company extended an olive branch to the union and reopened talks.