branch
gb/bɹˈænt͡ʃ/ us/bɹˈænt͡ʃ/
A2
English
~ 1200
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Part of a tree that grows out from the trunk
A part of a tree that grows from the main trunk or stem.
Usage pattern:
a branch of [a tree]
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.
Synonyms
limb (More general term for a large branch; also used for arms and legs.)
Collocations
tree branch
|thick branch
|broken branch
|overhanging branch
Themes
nature
|plants
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The squirrel ran along the branch.
- A heavy branch fell during the storm.
- Birds were nesting on the highest branch of the tree.
Learner examples
- The cat is sitting on a branch.
- I saw a bird on a branch.
- A branch fell on the ground.
Noun
B1
entity
2
Local office or division of an organization
An office or store that is part of a bigger company, usually in another place.
Usage pattern:
a branch of [a company/bank]
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.
Synonyms
division (A formal section within an organization; not necessarily location-based.)
Collocations
bank branch
|local branch
|branch office
|open a branch
Themes
business
|commerce
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The company opened a new branch in the city center.
- I need to visit my bank's local branch.
- Our firm has several branches across the country.
Learner examples
- I work at the bank branch near my home.
- The shop has many branches in different cities.
- They opened a new branch last year.
Noun
B2
entity
3
Subdivision of an area of study or activity
One part of a bigger subject or activity.
Usage pattern:
a branch of [science/law/etc.]
Common mistake:
Learners may confuse this with 'department', which is more about organizational structure than subject matter.
Synonyms
field (Often used more generally for an area of study or work.)
Collocations
branch of science
|branch of medicine
|branch of government
Themes
education
|science
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- Botany is a branch of biology.
- This branch of mathematics deals with probability.
- There are three branches of government in the U.S.
Learner examples
- Math has many branches like algebra and geometry.
- Biology is a branch of science.
- Law has different branches.
Verb
B1
action
4
To divide into separate parts or paths
To split into two or more parts from the main part.
Usage pattern:
[something] branches off/from [main thing]
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.)
Collocations
branch off
|branch into
Themes
travel
|structure
|space
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The road branches off to the left after the bridge.
- This river branches into several smaller streams.
- The path branches in two directions.
Learner examples
- The road branches into two ways.
- A small path branches off from the main road.
- The river branches into three parts.
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.