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Branch Definition, Usage & Key Differences Explained (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：local office (branch)

branch 🔊

/bræntʃ/

A local office, shop, or part of a larger company or organization, usually located in a different area from the main one.

local office 🔊

➕

/ˈloʊkəl ˈɔfɪs/

A secondary or subordinate location of a larger organization or company, typically operating in a different area.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

From Old French 'branche', meaning 'branch', derived from Latin 'branca', 'paw or hoof'.

💡 Mnemonic

A branch splits from the main part, just like a business branch splits from headquarters or a tree branch from the trunk.

📖 Example

The bank plans to open a new branch in the neighborhood to serve more customers. 🔊 The bank intends to establish a new local office in the area to accommodate more clients.

🔗 Collocations

branch office – a local office of a company

bank branch – a local office of a bank

branch network – a system of connected local offices

🔄 Synonyms

subsidiary (n.) – a company controlled by another company

outlet (n.) – a place from which goods are sold or distributed

division (n.) – a separate part of a large organization

🚫 Antonyms

headquarters (n.) – the main office or center of control of an organization

🌱 Derivatives

branch (v.) – to divide into or form branches

branched (adj.) – having branches

branching (n.) – the act of forming branches

📖 Cultural Story

The word 'branch' originates from Latin 'branca', referring to an animal's paw or hoof. It evolved in Old French to mean a tree branch, symbolizing growth and extension in both nature and business.

Meaning 2：tree limb (branch)

branch 🔊

/bræntʃ/

A part of a tree that grows out from the main trunk, usually with leaves, flowers, or fruits on it.

Close-up photo of a tree branch with leaves and a bird, showing natural meaning.

tree limb 🔊

➕

/triː lɪm/

A part of a tree that extends from the trunk and supports leaves, flowers, or fruits.

📁 Category：Botany Research 🔖 Level：初级

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

The cat got stuck on a high branch and we had to call the fire department to help it down. 🔊 The feline became trapped on an elevated tree limb, necessitating a call to the fire department for rescue.

🔗 Collocations

tree branch – a limb of a tree

broken branch – a branch that has snapped off

olive branch – a symbol of peace, derived from the tree branch

🔄 Synonyms

limb (n.) – a large branch of a tree

bough (n.) – a main branch of a tree

twig (n.) – a small, thin branch

🚫 Antonyms

trunk (n.) – the main stem of a tree

root (n.) – the part of a plant that anchors it and absorbs nutrients

🌱 Derivatives

branch (v.) – to divide into or form branches

branched (adj.) – having branches

branching (n.) – the act of forming branches