brace
/breis/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun:
- A structural support: A device or member that strengthens or steadies a structure or framework.
- A tool: A hand tool for drilling, consisting of a crank handle and a socket to hold a bit.
- A dental appliance: A device worn on the teeth to correct irregularities.
- A pair or set of two: Two similar things considered as a single unit.
- A punctuation mark: Either of the symbols { or } used to enclose text.
- A support for the body: An appliance that supports a part of the body, such as a knee.
- A rope on a ship: On a square-rigged ship, a rope used to swing and secure a yard (a horizontal spar).
- (Usually plural) Suspenders: Elastic straps used to hold trousers up.
Verb:
- To make steady or firm: To support or strengthen something with a brace.
- To prepare or steady oneself: To prepare oneself mentally or physically for something difficult or to hold a steady position.
- To invigorate: To cause someone to feel more alert and energetic.
Examples of Usage
Noun:
- The carpenter installed a metal brace to support the wall.
- He used a brace and bit to drill the hole.
- She got her braces removed after two years.
- He bought a brace of pistols for his collection.
- The programmer placed the code inside curly braces.
- After the injury, he had to wear a knee brace.
- The sailor adjusted the brace to change the sail's angle.
- He prefers to wear braces instead of a belt.
Verb:
- They braced the shelf against the wall to keep it from falling.
- She braced herself for the bad news.
- He braced his feet against the floor to push the heavy box.
- The cold morning air braced him for the day ahead.
Advanced Usage
- "to brace for impact": To prepare oneself physically for a collision or sudden force.
- The flight attendant told the passengers to brace for impact.
- "to brace oneself against something": To use something for physical support or to steady oneself.
- She braced herself against the strong wind.
Variants and Related Words
- Bracing (adj): Invigorating or refreshing.
- The bracing sea air.
- Bracer (n): Something that braces or invigorates; historically, a protective guard for the arm.
- Bracelet (n): An ornamental band for the wrist. (Note: This is a distinct word, not a direct variant of 'brace').
Synonyms
- Noun (Support): Prop, strut, reinforcement.
- Noun (Pair): Pair, couple, duo.
- Verb (Support): Strengthen, reinforce, steady, shore up.
- Verb (Invigorate): Stimulate, energize, invigorate.
Related Phrasal Verbs
- Brace up:
- To make something stronger or more secure.
- We need to brace up the old fence.
- (Often imperative) To summon one's courage or cheer up.
- Brace up! Things will get better.
Related Idioms
- "A brace of": A pair or couple of (often used for game birds or firearms).
- The hunter returned with a brace of ducks.
- "To brace oneself": To prepare mentally or physically for something difficult or unpleasant.
- He braced himself for the long and difficult meeting.
Noun
- a structural member used to stiffen a framework
- a carpenter's tool having a crank handle for turning and a socket to hold a bit for boring
- an appliance that corrects dental irregularities
- elastic straps that hold trousers up (usually used in the plural)
- a rope on a square-rigged ship that is used to swing a yard about and secure it
- either of two punctuation marks ({ or }) used to enclose textual material
- a set of two similar things considered as a unit
- two items of the same kind
- a support that steadies or strengthens something else
- he wore a brace on his knee
Verb
- cause to be alert and energetic
- Coffee and tea stimulate me
- This herbal infusion doesn't stimulate
- support by bracing
- support or hold steady and make steadfast, with or as if with a brace
- brace your elbows while working on the potter's wheel
- prepare (oneself) for something unpleasant or difficult