B2 noun Neutral

brush

/brʌʃ/

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 5
1

She 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.

2

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.

3

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

Noun
brush
Verb
brush
Adjective
brushed
Related
brushing
💡

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

1

She used a soft brush to remove the dust from the old photograph.

everyday

She used a soft brush to remove the dust from the old photograph.

2

The conservator utilized a specialized camel-hair brush to stabilize the pigment on the fresco.

formal

The conservator utilized a specialized camel-hair brush to stabilize the pigment on the fresco.

3

I lost my hair brush at the gym yesterday, so I had to use a comb.

informal

I lost my hair brush at the gym yesterday, so I had to use a comb.

4

The historian's first brush with the primary source material led to a complete revision of the thesis.

academic

The historian's first brush with the primary source material led to a complete revision of the thesis.

5

The startup had a close brush with failure before securing the second round of funding.

business

The startup had a close brush with failure before securing the second round of funding.

Word Family

Noun
brush
Verb
brush
Adjective
brushed
Related
brushing

Common Collocations

paint brush paint brush
hair brush hair brush
stiff brush stiff brush
a close brush a close brush (an encounter that was almost a disaster)
wire brush wire brush

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

brush vs comb

A comb is a flat tool with teeth used for hair, whereas a brush has bristles set into a base.

brush vs broom

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

Countable noun: plural 'brushes' Used in the structure 'a brush with [something]' Can function as a compound noun (e.g., toothbrush)
🌍

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

Related Words

underpendsion

C1

The foundational support, basis, or underlying framework that provides stability and strength to a structure, theory, or organization. It refers to the core principles or physical elements that justify and hold up a larger system.

uniprivacy

C1

A conceptual term referring to a single, unified standard or framework of privacy protections applied consistently across different platforms, jurisdictions, or systems. It describes the state of having one streamlined set of data rights and security measures rather than fragmented or overlapping policies.

demarery

C1

A formal legal objection that admits the facts of an opponent's argument but denies that they are sufficient to justify a legal claim. It effectively argues that even if everything the opposing party says is true, there is no legal basis for a lawsuit.

translably

C1

The noun translably refers to the quality or degree to which a piece of text, an idea, or an expression can be effectively rendered into another language while preserving its original essence. It is a specialized linguistic term used to assess the feasibility of achieving semantic and cultural equivalence in translation tasks.

obfachood

C1

The state or condition of being deliberately obscure, hidden, or difficult to understand, particularly within a formal or technical system. It refers to the quality of a subject that has been rendered complex to prevent easy access or comprehension.

misdictile

C1

To transcribe or record spoken words incorrectly, especially in a manner that fundamentally alters the intended meaning or technical specifications of the message. It refers specifically to the failure of accuracy during the transition from auditory input to written or repeated output.

obgeotude

C1

The state or quality of being excessively preoccupied with physical location or geographical boundaries. It often refers to a mindset or policy that stubbornly prioritizes local physical presence over digital or global connectivity.

monotegate

C1

To consolidate multiple layers, systems, or categories into a single, unified structure. It is often used in technical or organizational contexts to describe the process of streamlining complex elements for the sake of efficiency or standardization.

autojecthood

C1

To transition a system, process, or entity into a state where it automatically identifies and rejects incompatible or non-compliant elements. It refers to the implementation of autonomous exclusion protocols to maintain system purity or efficiency.

contragratence

C1

A state or quality of being intentionally contrary or ungrateful, specifically characterized by a willful refusal to express gratitude or conform to expected social harmony. In academic or test-specific contexts, it often refers to a behavioral pattern of resisting positive social exchange.

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