Breach vs. Breech: What's the Difference?

Understanding the difference between breach and breech is crucial as they are homophones that carry distinct meanings. The word breach primarily refers to a gap or a violation, often used in contexts involving breaking the law or a contractual agreement. In contrast, breech denotes the rear part of something, especially the buttocks and back part of a gun barrel, but it can also refer to birth when a baby is positioned to deliver feet or buttocks first.

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Breach vs. Breech

How do you use the word breach in a sentence?

The term breach is commonly used to signify an act of breaking or failing to observe a law, agreement, or code of conduct. It also refers to a gap in a wall, barrier, or defense, typically one made by an attacking army. In legal and business settings, breach is an often-seen term when discussing breach of contract, privacy breaches, or security breaches.
Examples of breach in a sentence
  • The company was fined for a serious breach of environmental regulations.
  • During the medieval siege, the army finally created a breach in the fortress walls.
  • When she read her sister's diary, it was a breach of trust.

How do you use the word breech in a sentence?

The word breech is used when referring to the back end of something, like the breech of a gun, or to describe the situation when a baby is positioned to be born buttocks or feet first, which is called a breech birth. It's less commonly used than breach, but it is important in medical and mechanical contexts.
Examples of breech in a sentence
  • The soldiers were trained to load the cannon from the breech.
  • Because the baby was in a breech position, the doctors recommended a cesarean section.
  • He opted for breech-loading rifles because they were easier to load.

Breach and breech definition, parts of speech, and pronunciation

Breach definition:
A breach is a noun that denotes an act of breaking a law, agreement, or code of conduct, or the creation of a gap in a physical barrier, especially as a result of damage or attack.

Breach parts of speech:
  • Noun: The breach in confidentiality could have severe repercussions.
  • Verb: If you breach the company's code of conduct, you could lose your job.

Breach pronunciation:
Breach is pronounced as /briːtʃ/, with a long 'ee' sound followed by a 'tch' sound as in 'watch'.

Breech definition:
A breech is a noun that signifies the back part of something, especially the wide rear part of the barrel of a gun or cannon, or the hindquarters of a person or animal. It also refers to a fetal position during birth where the buttocks or feet appear first.

Breech parts of speech:
  • Noun: The weapon's breech needs proper maintenance for the gun to fire accurately.
  • Adjective (used in compound): The breech-loading mechanism revolutionized firearms.

Breech pronunciation:
Breech is pronounced as /briːtʃ/, identical to 'breach', with the same long 'ee' sound followed by a 'tch' sound.

Breach vs. breech in a nutshell

The difference between breach and breech lies in their meanings and usage contexts. Breach is about breaking through, whereas breech relates to the back end of objects or certain birth positions. Despite their identical pronunciation, it is essential to choose the correct word to convey the intended meaning accurately. Remember, a breach can be fixed or cause concern, while a breech is more about position and less likely to be changed.

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