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Brains Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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brains

[breษชnz ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

organ of the central nervous system

The brain is the organ inside your head that controls your thoughts, movements, feelings, and everything else you do. It allows you to think, learn, create, and feel emotions.

Synonyms

cognition, intellect, mind.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brains

Use in informal settings to refer to someone's intelligence or mental capacity, often highlighting practical problem-solving skills.

  • Sheโ€™s got the brains to solve any technical issue.
  • He was the brains behind the successful project.
mind

A versatile term that can be used in both formal and informal settings to refer to someone's mental faculties, including thoughts, memories, and consciousness.

  • Keeping an open mind is crucial for learning new things.
  • He couldn't get her out of his mind.
intellect

Used in formal or academic contexts to describe someone's ability to think logically and understand complex ideas. It often highlights deep, theoretical thinking.

  • His intellect made him one of the most respected philosophers of his time.
  • She has a sharp intellect and excels in analytical tasks.
cognition

Appropriate in scientific or academic contexts when discussing mental processes like perception, thinking, and understanding.

  • The study focused on the effects of sleep on cognition.
  • Cognition develops rapidly in the first few years of life.

Examples of usage

  • The brain is responsible for processing information received from the senses.
  • Damage to the brain can have a significant impact on a person's cognitive abilities.
  • The brain consists of different regions responsible for different functions.
Context #2 | Noun

intellectual capacity

Brain can also refer to a person's intellectual capacity or ability to think and reason.

Synonyms

intelligence, smartness, wit.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brains

This word is often used informally to refer to someone's intellectual capacity, often in a general or colloquial sense.

  • She has the brains to solve complex problems easily.
  • They picked him for the project because of his brains.
intelligence

This term is more formal and is used to discuss someone's overall ability to learn, understand, and apply knowledge. It can refer to both emotional and intellectual abilities.

  • Her intelligence was evident from a young age.
  • The program measures multiple facets of intelligence, including logical reasoning and creativity.
wit

This word typically refers to someone who is cleverly amusing and can make sharp, humorous remarks. It often has a social or conversational connotation.

  • Her wit made the evening entertaining for everyone.
  • He is known for his sharp wit and humor.
smartness

This is a more casual term used to describe someone who is clever or quick-witted. It emphasizes being quick to understand or solve problems.

  • His smartness helped him navigate through the tricky situation.
  • She admired his smartness and quick decision-making.

Examples of usage

  • She has a brilliant brain and can solve complex problems easily.
  • His quick brain helped him come up with innovative solutions to the issue.
  • Developing a growth mindset can help improve your brain.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Science

  • Adult human brains weigh about 3 pounds (1.4 kg) and contain around 86 billion neurons, making them incredibly complex.
  • The brain consumes about 20% of the body's energy, even though it only accounts for about 2% of the body's weight.
  • Neuroplasticity is a remarkable feature, allowing the brain to change and adapt as we learn new things or suffer injuries.

Pop Culture

  • The concept of 'brain power' is frequently depicted in films and literature, emphasizing intelligence and strategy in resolving conflicts.
  • In popular TV shows, characters often refer to someone as the 'brains' of the group, highlighting their role in problem-solving.
  • Zombie films often depict brains as a desirable food, turning the concept into a humorous and terrifying trope.

Psychology

  • The brain is responsible for emotional regulation, decision-making, and even social interactions, showcasing its central role in behavior.
  • Research shows that practicing mindfulness can lead to changes in brain structure, improving emotional well-being and cognitive functions.
  • The idea of 'using only 10% of your brain' is a myth; all parts of the brain have a known function and are active at different times.

History

  • Ancient Egyptians believed that the heart, not the brain, was the center of thought and emotion, often discarding brains in mummification.
  • Philosophers like Aristotle thought the heart was responsible for thinking, while the brain was seen merely as a cooling mechanism.
  • Over time, the brain was increasingly recognized as the center of knowledge and emotion, paving the way for modern neuroscience.

Origin of 'brains'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'brain' comes from the Old English 'brรฆgen,' which reflects its importance in human function and consciousness.
  • Historically, the term also ties back to Proto-Germanic roots, highlighting its long-standing association with thought and intellect.

The word 'brain' originated from the Old English word 'brรฆgen', which itself came from the Proto-Germanic word 'braginaz'. The concept of the brain as the center of thought and intelligence has been recognized since ancient times, with early civilizations like the Egyptians and Greeks studying the organ's functions. Over centuries, advancements in neuroscience and technology have deepened our understanding of the brain's complexity and importance.

See also: brain, braincase, brainiac, brainpan, brainpower, brainstorm, brainstorming, brainteaser, brainwash, brainwashing, brainwave, brainworm, brainy.

Word Frequency Rank

Position #7,614 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.