Bracket

Part of Speech

Noun, Verb

Pronunciation

/ˈbrakɪt/

Definitions

• 1. (Noun) A symbol, typically either a square [ ], round ( ), or curly { }, used in writing or printing to enclose information.
• 2. (Noun) A support or fixture that holds something in place, often a piece of metal or wood.
• 3. (Noun) A group or category within which items or people are classified, such as a socioeconomic bracket.
• 4. (Verb) To categorize or group things together in a specific bracket.

Usage Examples

• 1. "You need to put the citation in brackets in your paper."
• 2. "The shelf was held up by a strong metal bracket."
• 3. "They fall into the higher income bracket."
• 4. "I’m bracketing the options based on price and features."

Etymology

The word 'bracket' originates from the Middle French 'braguette', meaning 'a small support'. It was adopted into English in the early 16th century, initially referring to a type of small projecting shelf or fixture. Its modern usage as a punctuation mark and in classification came later.

Synonyms

• Support
• Clasp
• Mount
• Category
• Group

Antonyms

• Disconnect
• Detachment
• Exclusion

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In some regions, especially in British English, 'bracket' may be pronounced with a heavier emphasis on the second syllable, resulting in /ˈbrækɪt/. In American English, the first syllable is generally stressed more.

Historical Usage

The term 'bracket' has been in use since the late 14th century, derived from Middle French 'braguette', meaning 'a small support'. It was initially used to describe a piece of furniture or architectural fixture. Over time, it extended to its modern usage in punctuation and classification.

Cultural Nuances

In computing, the term 'bracket' is also associated with programming languages where it signifies certain types of symbols used in code structures, such as in loops or functions. Similarly, in sports, the term 'bracket' refers to the structure used to organize tournaments.

More Information

Brackets are widely used in writing to enclose supplementary information or clarify text. They are also vital in mathematical expressions, where they help group numbers and operations. In the world of construction, brackets are critical for holding shelves, electrical devices, and even artworks on the wall. Brackets are versatile and serve a variety of functions across different fields.