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Dictionary Page: Brains

Brains

Part of Speech

Noun (plural)

Pronunciation

/breɪnz/

Definitions

  • The organ inside the head that controls thoughts, memory, feelings, and activities.
  • Intellectual capacity or reasoning ability.
  • The people who are responsible for a project or enterprise, often in terms of their ideas or intellectual contributions.
  • A slang term for a person's intellect or mental ability (e.g., "She's got brains.")

Usage Examples

  • He used his brains to solve the problem quickly.
  • The brains behind the company’s success are its innovative leaders.
  • She’s always been known for having the brains of the operation.

Etymology

The word "brains" is derived from Old English "brægen," meaning the soft tissue within the skull, the seat of intelligence. It has been used figuratively since the 16th century to denote intellectual capacity.

Synonyms

  • Intellect
  • Mind
  • Intelligence
  • Reasoning
  • Wits

Antonyms

  • Stupidity
  • Ignorance
  • Unintelligence

Translations

Language Translation Pronunciation
Spanish Cerebros /θeˈɾeβɾos/
French Cerveaux /sɛʁˈvo/
German Gehirne /ɡəˈhɪʁnə/
Chinese (Simplified) 大脑 /dà nǎo/
Arabic أدمغة /ʔadˈmiɣah/
Hindi मस्तिष्क /masˈtiʃk/
Italian Cervelli /tʃerˈvɛlli/

Regional Pronunciation Variations

  • American English: /breɪnz/
  • British English: /breɪnz/
  • Australian English: /bɹeɪnz/

Historical Usage

The use of "brains" in the sense of intellectual ability dates back to the 16th century. It originally referred to the physical organ and later expanded to represent intellect. The figurative sense of "brains" for intelligence became popular in the 19th century as the study of psychology and neuroscience advanced.

Cultural Nuances

In contemporary English, "brains" often conveys a sense of respect for someone’s intellect or mental prowess. Phrases like "pick someone's brains" or "brain trust" highlight the importance of knowledge in various contexts, from business to innovation. The word is also used in a humorous or negative way, such as in "brain-dead," implying a lack of mental activity or awareness.

More Information

The word "brains" is a multifaceted term, ranging from its literal anatomical meaning to its more figurative use in referring to intellectual capacity or leadership. As society has advanced, the metaphorical use of "brains" has become more common, especially in the context of innovation and leadership. In the modern world, "brains" are seen as central to intellectual, scientific, and technological progress. The term also carries social and cultural weight, signifying the importance placed on cognitive abilities in various professional and academic fields.

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