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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Kevin
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May 4, 2021
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Common Questions
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What does the word brash mean?
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.
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