Do you know the definition of brash? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on the word brash, including its definition, etymology, usage, example sentences, and more!
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According to Dictionary and Merriam-Webster Unabridged English Dictionary, the word brash (pronounced bræʃ) is an adjective that is used to describe someone who is impertinent, hasty, or energetic but in an irreverent way. This is usually used to describe someone who is loud and opinionated, usually without regard for other people, or without self-awareness. The word brash can also be used as a noun to refer to a type of brash ice, or a pile of loose debris, like rocks or tree trimmings. Usually, however, this word is used as an adjective to describe a loud, impetuous, tactless person. This word can be used as an adverb, brashly, as well as in varying degrees as an adjective, i.e. brasher, brashest. Trying using this word of the day or other new words in a sentence today! Using new words is the best way to learn more about the English language.
There are many different languages that also contain words meaning brash. You may notice that some of these words look similar to each other. This might be because they are from a common origin. Usually, cognates, which are words that look, sound, and mean something similar across languages, are formed when two words share a common ancestor. This list of translations for the word brash is provided by Word Sense.
Bulgarian: необмислен, нетактичен
French: agressif
Russian: нечувствительный, беста́ктный
Polish: nietaktowny
Turkish: utanmadan
German: taktlos
Spanish: tosco
Slovak: bezcitný, netaktný
What is the origin of the word brash?
According to Etymonline, the word brash has been used to mean impetuous or rach since the year 1824. This word has a bit of an obscure origin, and no one is completely certain where it comes from. It is thought to come from American English. The word brash might be related to the 16th century Scottish word brash meaning attack or assault, or perhaps the French breche meaning fragments. This word was used to describe ice, and is of a Germanic source, similar to the Old High German brehha meaning breach, from the German brehhan meaning to break. These come form the Proto-Indo-European root bhreg meaning to break. It is also possible that this could be akin to the German brechen meaning to vomit. The word brash is not considered to be related to the word rash, though they do have a similar meaning. Related words include rash, rashly, rashness, brashly, and brashness.
How can the word brash be used in a sentence?
The word brash can be used in many different contexts to describe someone who is impetuous and tactless. In this example, Jamie and Fiona have a new coworker. Fiona stomps into Jamie’s office.
Fiona: I hate the new guy.
Jamie: Wow, that was fast. What happened?
Fiona: I’m trying to train him on the systems, and he just acts like he knows everything and like I have no idea what I’m doing. Like, dude, I’ve been working here for five years. You’re some brash newcomer who’s trying to mansplain a system you’ve never seen before. Like, come on!
Jamie: Ugh, I’m sorry. Maybe he’s just nervous?
Fiona: I don’t care what he is. I’m not going to make excuses for this jerk.
In this example, Fiona uses the word to describe the new coworker who she was training. He has little tact, and is trying to rush his way through the training.
What are synonyms and antonyms for the word brash?
There are many different words that one can use in place of the word brash. THese are called synonyms, which are words and phrases that have the same definition as another word or phrase. Synonyms are useful to know if you want to avoid repeating the same word, as well as itf you are trying to expand your vocabulary. THis list of synonyms for the word brash is provided by Thesaurus.
maladroit
impulsive
cocky
uppity
pushing
vivacious
precipitate
impudent
cocksure
brazen
tactless
headlong
hasty
thoughtless
self-assertive
rude
insolent
hotheaded
reckless
nervy
audacious
brazenfaced
inconsiderate
incautious
cheeky
impetuous
presuming
indiscreet
rash
impertinent
forward
impolitic
presumptuous
ill-advised
foolhardy
bold
flip
effervescent
undiplomatic
heedless
madcap
untactful
self-asserting
There are also a plethora of words that mean the opposite of the word brash. These are known as antonyms. Antonyms are the opposite of synonyms, in that it refers to words that have the opposite meaning as another word or phrase. This list of antonyms for the word brash is also provided by Thesaurus.
sheepish
considerate
provident
reserved
taking it slow
uneager
vigilant
shamefaced
unassertive
shrewd
reluctant
calculating
self-effacing
circumspect
loner
indisposed
cagey
pussyfoot
chary
skittish
thinking twice
fearful
all ears
judicious
watchful
walking on eggs
heedful
alert
apprehensive
afraid
unresponsive
demure
retiring
careful
nervous
keeping on one’s toes
backward
reticent
leery
forethoughtful
shrinking
guarded
hedging one’s bets
unwilling
loath
playing safe
gingerly
taking it easy
disinclined
politic
suspicious
cautious
safe
unsocial
watching one’s step
conscious
wary
playing it cool
timid
modest
averse
on the lookout
coy
watching out
bashful
recessive
hesitant
uneffusive
diffident
discreet
tentative
unassured
distrustful
shy
humble
with one’s eyes peeled
introvert
introverted
prudent
Overall, the word brash is an adjective of unknown origin that is used to describe a person who is tactless and hasty. This person might think that they know everything after having just started, or they may simply be loud without regard for others’ opinions. This person usually has a lack of self-awareness. This word has negative connotations, overall.
Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.