brush
A tool consisting of bristles, hair, or wire set into a handle, used for cleaning, grooming, or applying paint. Metaphorically, in academic and formal contexts, it refers to a brief, often unpleasant, encounter or skirmish with something.
Examples
3 of 5She used a soft brush to remove the dust from the old photograph.
She used a soft brush to remove the dust from the old photograph.
The conservator utilized a specialized camel-hair brush to stabilize the pigment on the fresco.
The conservator utilized a specialized camel-hair brush to stabilize the pigment on the fresco.
I lost my hair brush at the gym yesterday, so I had to use a comb.
I lost my hair brush at the gym yesterday, so I had to use a comb.
Word Family
Memory Tip
Think of the 'B' in Brush standing for the 'Bristles' that 'Rush' over a surface.
Quick Quiz
The explorer had a dangerous ___ with a local predator during the expedition.
Correct!
The correct answer is: brush
Examples
She used a soft brush to remove the dust from the old photograph.
everydayShe used a soft brush to remove the dust from the old photograph.
The conservator utilized a specialized camel-hair brush to stabilize the pigment on the fresco.
formalThe conservator utilized a specialized camel-hair brush to stabilize the pigment on the fresco.
I lost my hair brush at the gym yesterday, so I had to use a comb.
informalI lost my hair brush at the gym yesterday, so I had to use a comb.
The historian's first brush with the primary source material led to a complete revision of the thesis.
academicThe historian's first brush with the primary source material led to a complete revision of the thesis.
The startup had a close brush with failure before securing the second round of funding.
businessThe startup had a close brush with failure before securing the second round of funding.
Word Family
Common Collocations
Common Phrases
a brush with death
a brush with death
the brush-off
the brush-off (a rejection or dismissal)
paint with a broad brush
paint with a broad brush (to describe something in general terms)
Often Confused With
A comb is a flat tool with teeth used for hair, whereas a brush has bristles set into a base.
A broom is specifically a long-handled brush used for sweeping floors.
Usage Notes
When used to mean 'an encounter,' it is almost always followed by the preposition 'with.' As a physical tool, it is a countable noun.
Common Mistakes
Learners sometimes use 'brush' for everything related to hair, but 'comb' is specific to tools with single rows of teeth. Also, remember the plural is 'brushes'.
Memory Tip
Think of the 'B' in Brush standing for the 'Bristles' that 'Rush' over a surface.
Word Origin
From the Old French word 'brosse', meaning 'bramble, brushwood, or a thicket,' which were used to make cleaning tools.
Grammar Patterns
Cultural Context
In art history, 'brushwork' refers to the characteristic way each artist applies paint, often used to identify the creator of a work.
Quick Quiz
The explorer had a dangerous ___ with a local predator during the expedition.
Correct!
The correct answer is: brush
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