bruise
A bruise is a dark or discolored mark on the skin caused by an injury that does not break the surface, resulting from broken blood vessels underneath. It is also used to describe a damaged area on fruit or a metaphorical injury to a person's pride or reputation.
Examples
3 of 5I got a small bruise on my shin after bumping into the coffee table.
I got a small bruise on my shin after bumping into the coffee table.
The medical examiner noted a significant bruise on the left temple, suggesting a fall.
The medical examiner noted a significant bruise on the left temple, suggesting a fall.
Ouch, that's going to be a nasty bruise tomorrow!
Ouch, that's going to be a nasty bruise tomorrow!
Antonyms
Word Family
Memory Tip
Remember that 'bruise' sounds like 'blues'—bruises often start out looking blue or purple.
Quick Quiz
He had a large ______ on his arm where the ball hit him.
Correct!
The correct answer is: bruise
Examples
I got a small bruise on my shin after bumping into the coffee table.
everydayI got a small bruise on my shin after bumping into the coffee table.
The medical examiner noted a significant bruise on the left temple, suggesting a fall.
formalThe medical examiner noted a significant bruise on the left temple, suggesting a fall.
Ouch, that's going to be a nasty bruise tomorrow!
informalOuch, that's going to be a nasty bruise tomorrow!
Research indicates that the rate of bruise healing can be influenced by certain vitamin deficiencies.
academicResearch indicates that the rate of bruise healing can be influenced by certain vitamin deficiencies.
The loss of the contract was a major bruise to the company's public image.
businessThe loss of the contract was a major bruise to the company's public image.
Antonyms
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
black and blue
covered in bruises
a bruise to someone's reputation
damage to how someone is perceived
bruised ego
feelings of being hurt or embarrassed
Often Confused With
A scar is a permanent mark from a healed wound, while a bruise is temporary discoloration.
A cut involves a break in the skin and bleeding, whereas a bruise occurs under the skin.
Usage Notes
The word can be used literally for physical injuries or figuratively for psychological or organizational setbacks. In a medical context, the term 'contusion' is often preferred.
Common Mistakes
Learners often misspell the word as 'bruize'. Additionally, ensure not to use 'bruise' for injuries where the skin is actually broken.
Memory Tip
Remember that 'bruise' sounds like 'blues'—bruises often start out looking blue or purple.
Word Origin
From the Old English 'brysan', meaning to crush or pound, influenced by the Old French 'bruisier', meaning to break or shatter.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In retail, bruised fruit is often sold at a discount or used for juice because it is seen as aesthetically damaged but still edible.
Quick Quiz
He had a large ______ on his arm where the ball hit him.
Correct!
The correct answer is: bruise
Related Vocabulary
Related Words
to
A1Used to indicate the place, person, or thing that someone or something moves toward. It can also mark the recipient of an action or the limit of a range.
and
A1A primary conjunction used to connect words, phrases, or clauses that are grammatically equal. It indicates addition, a sequence of events, or a relationship between two things.
a
A1A word used before a singular noun that is not specific or is being mentioned for the first time. It is used only before words that begin with a consonant sound to indicate one of something.
that
A1This word is a demonstrative pronoun used to indicate a specific person, object, or idea that is further away in space or time from the speaker. It is also used to refer back to something that has already been mentioned or to introduce a clause that identifies something.
I
A1The pronoun 'I' is used by a speaker or writer to refer to themselves as the subject of a verb. It is the first-person singular subject pronoun in English and is always capitalized regardless of its position in a sentence.
for
A1Used to show who is intended to have or use something, or to explain the purpose or reason for an action. It is also frequently used to indicate a specific duration of time.
not
A1A function word used to express negation or denial. It is primarily used to make a sentence or phrase negative, often following an auxiliary verb or the verb 'to be'.
with
A1A preposition used to indicate that people or things are together, in the same place, or performing an action together. It can also describe the instrument used to perform an action or a characteristic that someone or something has.
he
A1A pronoun used to refer to a male person or animal that has already been mentioned or is easily identified. It functions as the subject of a sentence.
you
A1Used to refer to the person or people that the speaker is addressing. It is the second-person pronoun used for both singular and plural subjects and objects.
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