What is brass? Pronunciation and usage in English

brass means . Learn how to pronounce and use brass through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of brass

brassnoun

/brɑːs/
Definition & pronunciation of brass

The word "brass" is pronounced brahs.

Here's a breakdown:

  • bra - like the word "bra" (a type of undergarment)
  • ss - pronounced like the letters "ss" (as in "grass")

You can hear it pronounced here: https://yougocalhost.com/pronounce/brass

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Usage and examples with the word brass in English

Let's break down how to use the word "brass" in English. It has several different meanings and applications! Here's a detailed explanation:

1. Brass (The Metal)

  • Definition: Brass is an alloy, primarily made of copper and zinc. It has a distinctive yellowish-gold color.
  • Usage:
    • Physical Description: "The statue was covered in gleaming brass." "He polished the brass doorknob until it shone."
    • Materials: "She used brass fittings for the plumbing." "The instrument was constructed from brass tubes."
    • Common Associations: Brass often evokes a sense of old-fashioned elegance, strength, and durability.

2. Brass (Musical Instrument)

  • Definition: A brass instrument is a musical instrument that produces sound by the vibration of the player's lips into a mouthpiece.
  • Types: This includes instruments like trumpets, trombones, tubas, French horns, etc.
  • Usage: "He played a beautiful melody on the brass trumpet." "The marching band featured a variety of brass instruments."

3. Brass (Slang – Bold, Courageous, or Risky)

  • Definition: This is the most common slang usage, and it’s a fairly modern term. It means incredibly brave, daring, or reckless.
  • Connotation: It often implies a willingness to take significant risks, sometimes with negative consequences.
  • Usage:
    • "That was some brass to jump off that cliff!" "He’s got a lot of brass to challenge the CEO to a duel (though that's unlikely!)." "She showed incredible brass signing up for that dangerous mission."
  • Important Note: This usage is considered informal and potentially a bit edgy. Be mindful of your audience.

4. Brass (Slang – A Person or Thing That’s Flashy, Showy, or Tacky)

  • Definition: Less common, but sometimes "brass" is used to describe something or someone that’s excessively flamboyant, ostentatious, or lacking in taste. It’s often used with a negative connotation.
  • Usage: "That guy's got too much brass with his expensive clothes and loud car." “He was showing off all his brass."

5. Brass (British slang - A Guy - Sometimes derogatory)

  • Definition: In some British slang dialects (particularly in areas like Lancashire), "brass" refers to a man, often a young, somewhat disreputable one. It’s fairly dated and can be considered offensive. I’m including it for completeness but use with extreme caution.
  • Usage: (Example - historical, not recommended for modern use) “Look at that brass down the street.” (This would be understood as "look at that young man down the street.")

Here’s a table summarizing the different meanings:

Meaning Definition Example
Metal Alloy Copper and zinc alloy “The door handle was made of brass.”
Musical Instrument Instrument vibrating with lips “The trumpeter’s brass shone in the light.”
Slang (Brave) Extremely brave/daring “That took real brass to do that!”
Slang (Flashy) Showy, tacky “Don’t be so brass!”
British Slang A man (dated/potentially offensive) “Look at that brass!”

Resources for more information:

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  • In what context are you trying to use the word “brass”? (e.g., writing a story, having a conversation, etc.)

Synonyms for the word brass

Idioms of the word brass

(as) bold as brass
(informal)without showing any respect, shame or fear
  • She marched in here, bold as brass, and demanded a pay rise.
brass monkeys | brass monkey weather
(British English, slang)if you say that it is brass monkeys or brass monkey weather, you mean that it is very cold weather
    brass neck
    (British English, informal)a combination of confidence and lack of respect
    • I didn't think she would have the brass neck to do that.
    the brass ring
    (North American English, informal)the opportunity to be successful; success that you have worked hard to get
    • The girls' outdoor track team has grabbed the brass ring seven times.
    (get down to) brass tacks
    (informal)(to start to consider) the basic facts or practical details of something
      where there’s muck there’s brass
      (British English, saying)used to say that a business activity that is unpleasant or dirty can bring in a lot of money

        Practice with vocabulary brass

        Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

        1. The antique telescope was constructed from polished ________, giving it a distinctive golden sheen.
        2. The project team faced numerous challenges, but they ultimately succeeded ________ achieving their ambitious goals.
        3. Despite his junior position, he had the ________ to challenge the CEO's proposal during the board meeting.
        4. The sculptor primarily works with malleable metals like copper and aluminum, often integrating them with polished ________ for contrast.

        Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

        1. Which of the following materials is commonly used for making durable plumbing fixtures and decorative architectural elements due to its corrosion resistance and appealing appearance? a) Aluminum b) Plastic c) Brass d) Iron e) Stainless Steel

        2. The CEO's announcement created a significant stir among the employees, causing widespread speculation about the company's future direction. What best describes "stir" in this context? a) To mix liquid ingredients. b) A small, insignificant movement. c) A state of excitement or agitation. d) To prod or poke something gently.

        3. In a hierarchical organization, who might be referred to as "the brass"? a) Entry-level employees b) Mid-level managers c) Senior executives d) Union representatives e) Military officers

        4. Which phrase expresses extreme rudeness or audacity? a) "Bite the bullet" b) "Have a bone to pick" c) "Have the nerve" d) "Go against the grain" e) "Have the gall"

        5. Identify which items are typically made of or primarily associated with brass. a) Trumpet b) Fine China c) Door knob d) Tuba e) Wooden spoon

        Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

        1. Original: He was incredibly audacious to demand such a large bonus after barely contributing to the project's success. Rewrite using "brass":

        2. Original: The antique lamp had a shiny, yellowish-gold metallic base that needed polishing. Rewrite using "brass":

        3. Original: The company's top management decided to implement a new policy regarding remote work. Rewrite without using "brass":

        Answer:

        Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

        1. brass
        2. in
        3. brass
        4. bronze

        Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

        1. c) Brass, e) Stainless Steel
        2. c) A state of excitement or agitation.
        3. c) Senior executives, e) Military officers
        4. c) "Have the nerve", e) "Have the gall"
        5. a) Trumpet, c) Door knob, d) Tuba

        Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

        1. He had the brass to demand such a large bonus after barely contributing to the project's success.
        2. The antique lamp had a shiny brass base that needed polishing.
        3. The company's senior leadership decided to implement a new policy regarding remote work.

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