Bracketing Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bracketing

[ˈbrækɪtɪŋ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

linguistics

Bracketing refers to the use of brackets to group words or expressions in written texts, particularly in linguistics, to clarify the relationship between parts of a sentence. It can also denote the method of categorizing phrases or sentences in syntax to highlight their structural relationships.

Synonyms

categorization, grouping, segmentation.

Examples of usage

  • The teacher used bracketing to illustrate sentence structure.
  • In linguistic studies, bracketing helps analyze complex phrases.
  • Bracketing in mathematics can clarify order of operations.
Context #2 | Noun

statistics

In statistics, bracketing is a method used to evaluate the limits within which a certain parameter or estimate falls. It helps in refining the accuracy of estimations by creating intervals that bound the true value.

Synonyms

estimation bounds, intervals, range.

Examples of usage

  • Bracketing the data helped narrow down the range of estimates.
  • The researchers used bracketing to improve their statistical model.
  • Bracketing can increase the reliability of survey results.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • In psychology, bracketing is a technique where individuals distinguish different parts of their lives or thoughts to understand their emotions better.
  • Researchers use bracketing in qualitative studies to separate their biases from the data they collect.
  • This can help people focus on specific areas of their life or experience without mixing in unrelated emotions or events.

Mathematics

  • In math, bracketing is often used to indicate order of operations, clarifying which calculations should be done first.
  • It allows for complex equations to be simplified, ensuring accurate results.
  • Brackets help to group numbers and variables, making mathematical expressions easier to read.

Education

  • Teachers might use bracketing in classroom discussions to separate topics, making lessons clearer for students.
  • It can aid in the organization of thoughts during writing assignments, guiding students to think critically.
  • The technique encourages collaborative learning, as students can share distinct viewpoints within a structured framework.

Art

  • In visual arts, bracketing can refer to framing techniques that highlight specific elements within a composition.
  • Artists use bracketing with color or negative space to draw viewers' attention to the focal point of their work.
  • It shapes the way audiences interpret pieces by guiding their gaze and enhancing visual storytelling.

Origin of 'bracketing'

Main points about word origin

  • The term comes from the Middle French word 'braguette', which means a small support or fastener.
  • The meaning evolved in English to describe various forms of enclosing or holding things together.
  • In grammar, it refers to punctuation marks used to set apart words or phrases, such as parentheses.

The term 'bracketing' originates from the word 'bracket,' which comes from the Old French word 'brac,' meaning 'arm' or 'support.' The use of brackets in writing dates back to the 15th century when they were first employed to clarify and separate thoughts or textual elements. Over time, the term evolved in various domains such as linguistics, mathematics, and statistics. In linguistics, it became significant for parsing sentences and understanding their structure. In statistics, it took on a more quantitative meaning, relating to the bounds of estimated values. The concept of bracketing has grown in importance across multiple fields as a tool for organization and clarity, reflecting the word's foundational role in structuring information.


Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,826, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.