SINCE 1828

An Encyclopædia Britannica Company

well-bred

adjective \ ˈwel-ˈbred \

Definition of well-bred

1 :having or displaying good breeding :refined

2 :having a good pedigree

well-bred swine

See well-bred defined for English-language learners

See well-bred defined for kids

First Known Use of well-bred

1585

well-bred Synonyms

Synonyms

civil, courteous, genteel, gracious, mannerly, well-bred

Antonyms

discourteous, ill-bred, ill-mannered, impolite, inconsiderate, mannerless, rude, thoughtless, uncivil, ungenteel, ungracious, unmannered, unmannerly

Related Words

attentive, careful, considerate, nice, solicitous, thoughtful; chivalrous, civilized, courtly, gallant, gentlemanlike, gentlemanly, ladylike; ceremonial, ceremonious, red-carpet; couth, formal, smooth, suave, unctuous, urbane; elegant, refined; deferential, dutiful, respectful, submissive, yielding; acceptable, appropriate, becoming, befitting, comme il faut, correct, decent, decorous, fit, fitting, good, meet, proper, respectable, right, seemly, suitable; affable, cordial, friendly, genial, hospitable, pleasant, sociable; felicitous, graceful; demure, humble, meek, modest, unassertive

Near Antonyms

heedless, inconsiderate, thoughtless; audacious, bold, bold-faced, brash, brassy, disrespectful, impertinent, impudent, insolent, lippy, saucy, shameless; boorish, churlish, clodhopping, clownish, loutish, uncouth, vulgar; casual, informal, unceremonious; improper, inappropriate, incorrect, indecent, indecorous, uncalled-for, unrespectable, unseemly; arrogant, conceited, presuming, presumptuous, pretentious

WELL-BRED Defined for English Language Learners

well-bred

adjective

Definition of well-bred for English Language Learners

: having or showing good manners

WELL-BRED Defined for Kids

well-bred

adjective \ ˈwel-ˈbred \

Definition of well-bred for Students

:having or showing good manners :polite

Learn More about well-bred

See words that rhyme with well-bred Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for well-bred Nglish: Translation of well-bred for Spanish speakers

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