What is brown? Pronunciation and usage in English

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

Definition & pronunciation of brown

brownadjective/noun

/braʊn/
Definition & pronunciation of brown

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "brown":

The most common and widely accepted pronunciation is:

  • braʊn

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

  • "brow": This part sounds like the word "brow" (as in eyebrow). The "ow" sound is a diphthong – it smoothly glides from a slightly more open "ah" sound to a slightly more closed "oo" sound.
  • "n": This is a simple "n" sound, like in "no."

Here's a way to hear it:

Important Notes:

  • Don't say "brown" like "bronze." That’s a common mistake that non-native English speakers make.
  • Regional Variations: While “braʊn” is the standard, there might be slight regional variations – but this pronunciation is overwhelmingly dominant.

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  • Break down any specific part of the pronunciation?
  • Give you a pronunciation exercise?

Usage and examples with the word brown in English

Let's break down how to use the word "brown" in English. It's a very common word with a lot of different uses!

1. As an Adjective (Describing Color):

This is the most frequent way to use "brown." It describes something that is the color of chocolate, earth, or wood.

  • Examples:
    • "The leaves are brown in the fall."
    • "She wore a brown coat."
    • "He has brown hair."
    • "The river was brown from the clay in the soil."
    • "I like brown sugar."

2. As a Noun (Referring to the Color):

Occasionally, "brown" refers to the color itself.

  • Examples:
    • "Let's paint the room brown."
    • "The artist used a lot of brown in his landscape painting."
    • "The colour of the soil was a rich brown."

3. Figurative/Idiomatic Uses:

"Brown" can sometimes have a more figurative or humorous meaning:

  • "Brown-noser" – This is a slang term for someone who tries to please someone in authority to gain favor. (Example: “He was just a brown-noser trying to get a promotion.”)
  • "Going brown" – Typically refers to your face turning pale or flushed, often from embarrassment or illness. (Example: "His face went brown when he realized he'd forgotten his keys.")

4. Describing Textures/Materials:

  • "Brown paper", "brown leather", "brown wood" – These phrases describe the material with the color brown.

5. In Food & Drink:

  • "Brown ale", "brown bread", "brownie" – These are specific types of food/drink/dessert referencing the brown color.

Here's a breakdown of shades of brown:

  • Light Brown: Beige, tan, sand, light chocolate
  • Medium Brown: Coffee, chestnut, mahogany
  • Dark Brown: Chocolate, cocoa, dark mahogany, umber

Tips for Using "Brown" Correctly:

  • Consider the context: Pay attention to what you're describing to ensure "brown" is the appropriate adjective.
  • Don't overuse it: Like many colors, using "brown" too frequently can make your writing or speech sound monotonous. Vary your descriptions.

Do you want me to:

  • Give you some more examples of how to use "brown" in a specific context (e.g., describing a landscape, a piece of furniture, or a food)?
  • Help you understand how "brown" compares to other colors?
  • Explain any of these uses in more detail?

Synonyms for the word brown

Idioms of the word brown

in a brown study
(old-fashioned, British English)thinking deeply so that you do not notice what is happening around you

    Practice with vocabulary brown

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. She decided to paint the walls _____ to create a warm and cozy atmosphere.
    2. The artist mixed red and green to achieve a deep shade of _____.
    3. The leaves turned a vibrant _____ in the autumn sunlight.
    4. He wore a _____ suit to the meeting, which complemented his tie perfectly.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. Which color is typically associated with chocolate?
      a) Blue
      b) Brown
      c) Yellow
      d) Green

    2. What color best describes the bark of many trees?
      a) Gray
      b) White
      c) Brown
      d) Black

    3. Which of these colors can describe both hair and soil?
      a) Red
      b) Brown
      c) Purple
      d) Orange

    4. What color is often used to describe coffee without milk?
      a) Beige
      b) Black
      c) Brown
      d) White

    5. Which color is a common shade for leather furniture?
      a) Pink
      b) Brown
      c) Green
      d) Blue

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The wooden table had a dark, earthy tone.
    2. Her eyes were a soft hazel, almost golden in the sunlight.
    3. The chocolate cake was rich and delicious.

    Answer

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. brown
    2. brown
    3. orange
    4. navy

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. b) Brown
    2. c) Brown
    3. b) Brown
    4. b) Black
    5. b) Brown

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. The wooden table was a deep brown color.
    2. Her eyes were a soft brown, almost golden in the sunlight.
    3. The chocolate cake was dark and luxurious.

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