B2 adjective Neutre

brass

/bræs/

Describes items made from a bright yellow alloy of copper and zinc, or relating to the section of an orchestra composed of wind instruments made of this metal. It can also figuratively describe something bold, flashy, or sounding like a brass instrument.

Exemples

3 sur 5
1

We decided to install brass handles on all the kitchen cabinets to give them a vintage look.

We chose to put yellow-metal handles on the cupboards for a classic style.

2

The historical archive contains several brass rubbings taken from medieval tombs.

The archive holds paper impressions made from metal plates found on old graves.

3

He had the brass nerve to ask for a promotion after being late every day this week.

He was bold and impudent enough to ask for a better job despite his poor attendance.

Famille de mots

Nom
brass
Adverbe
brassily
Adjectif
brassy
Apparenté
brassware
💡

Astuce mémo

Think of a 'Bright' and 'Bold' trumpet player. 'Brass' starts with 'B' like Bright and Bold.

Quiz rapide

The orchestra's _____ section was particularly loud during the finale of the symphony.

Correct !

La bonne réponse est : brass

Exemples

1

We decided to install brass handles on all the kitchen cabinets to give them a vintage look.

everyday

We chose to put yellow-metal handles on the cupboards for a classic style.

2

The historical archive contains several brass rubbings taken from medieval tombs.

formal

The archive holds paper impressions made from metal plates found on old graves.

3

He had the brass nerve to ask for a promotion after being late every day this week.

informal

He was bold and impudent enough to ask for a better job despite his poor attendance.

4

The acoustic properties of brass resonators were measured under varying thermal conditions.

academic

The sound qualities of metal vibration chambers were tested in different temperatures.

5

The company hired a brass quintet to provide entertainment for the corporate anniversary.

business

The firm employed five musicians playing metal wind instruments for the celebration.

Famille de mots

Nom
brass
Adverbe
brassily
Adjectif
brassy
Apparenté
brassware

Collocations courantes

brass band a musical group consisting of brass instruments
brass section the part of an orchestra with trumpets, horns, and trombones
brass fittings small metal parts used for plumbing or decoration
brass plaque an engraved metal plate used for names or memorials
brass polish a cleaning substance used to make metal shine

Phrases Courantes

get down to brass tacks

to start considering the basic facts or practical details

the top brass

the people in the highest positions of authority

brass neck

a person who is very confident in a way that is rude or disrespectful

Souvent confondu avec

brass vs bronze

Brass is an alloy of copper and zinc (yellow), while bronze is copper and tin (brownish-red).

📝

Notes d'usage

When used as an adjective, 'brass' usually describes the material an object is made of. The related adjective 'brassy' is often used pejoratively to describe a sound that is too loud or a person who is too bold/vulgar.

⚠️

Erreurs courantes

Learners sometimes use 'brass' to refer to any gold-colored metal, but it specifically refers to the copper-zinc alloy. In music, ensure you distinguish between 'brass' and 'woodwind' instruments.

💡

Astuce mémo

Think of a 'Bright' and 'Bold' trumpet player. 'Brass' starts with 'B' like Bright and Bold.

📖

Origine du mot

From Old English 'bras', which originally referred to any yellow alloy of copper.

Modèles grammaticaux

attributive use only in material sense singular and plural 'brass' for the musical section often used as a compound noun
🌍

Contexte culturel

In the UK and parts of the US, 'brass bands' are a significant part of working-class musical heritage, particularly in mining communities.

Quiz rapide

The orchestra's _____ section was particularly loud during the finale of the symphony.

Correct !

La bonne réponse est : brass

Mots lis

comagnment

C1

Describes a state of shared administrative authority or joint management over a specific project, resource, or asset. It is typically used in formal or technical contexts to characterize agreements where oversight is distributed among multiple parties.

semiferous

C1

Describing a plant, organ, or biological structure that produces, bears, or carries seeds. It is a technical term used to categorize species or parts based on their reproductive capacity to generate seeds.

inmissery

C1

A formal noun describing the state of being profoundly engulfed in or trapped by extreme distress, sorrow, or wretchedness. It emphasizes the internal and seemingly inescapable nature of one's suffering within a specific situation.

anfractty

C1

To follow a winding, circuitous, or indirect course; to move in a way that involves many twists and turns. Figuratively, it refers to the act of complicating a process or narrative with unnecessary details or indirect logic.

syngestable

C1

A syngestable is a specialized synthetic substance or component designed to be integrated and processed seamlessly within a biological or chemical system. It is used in advanced pharmacology to describe a material that acts as a carrier and is completely absorbed by the host environment.

ansimilent

C1

An adjective describing the capacity or tendency of a system, organism, or culture to absorb, integrate, and incorporate external elements into its own structure. It characterizes a process where new information or substances are transformed to become similar to the existing entity.

monofigist

C1

To portray or interpret a complex situation, narrative, or system by focusing exclusively on a single central figure or symbol. It involves the reduction of a multifaceted context into a singular figurative representation for the sake of simplified analysis or artistic emphasis.

obcapible

C1

Describing something that is easily perceived, understood, or grasped by the mind or senses. It is often used in technical or analytical contexts to denote clarity and discernibility.

anprobery

C1

Relating to the act of probing or testing, typically used to describe an investigative or experimental approach to solving a problem. It characterizes a stage where evidence is sought or theories are tentatively explored before a final conclusion is reached.

semisanctship

C1

To accord a status of partial holiness or semi-sacred reverence to a person, object, or idea. It describes the act of treating something with significant respect and religious-like devotion without claiming it is fully divine.

C'tait utile ?
Pas encore de commentaires. Soyez le premier à partager vos idées !

Commencez à apprendre les langues gratuitement

Commence Gratuitement