Brashness Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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brashness

[ˈbræʃnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

behavior

The quality of being confident and aggressive in a way that is shocking or rude.

Synonyms

audacity, boldness, impudence.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brashness

Typically refers to behavior that is offensively bold or rude, often making others uncomfortable. This word often has a negative connotation.

  • His brashness at the meeting upset many of his colleagues
boldness

Used to describe a confident and courageous attitude, often seen positively and associated with assertiveness and bravery.

  • His boldness in addressing the issue was appreciated by the team
audacity

Implies a daring, sometimes disrespectful behavior, showing a willingness to take risks. This word can have both negative and positive connotations depending on the context.

  • She had the audacity to question the CEO's decision in front of everyone
impudence

Indicates a level of disrespect or shamelessness, usually considered rude or inappropriate. This word carries a strong negative connotation.

  • The student's impudence in talking back to the teacher was shocking

Examples of usage

  • His brashness often gets him into trouble at work.
  • I was taken aback by the brashness of her comments during the meeting.
Context #2 | Noun

appearance

A harsh or loud sound, especially when made by hitting something hard.

Synonyms

clang, clash, crash.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brashness

Used to describe someone who is overly confident and aggressive in their behavior, often considered rude or tactless.

  • His brashness during the meeting offended everyone
clang

Refers to a loud, resonant metallic sound. Typically used when describing noises made by metal objects striking each other.

  • The pots and pans fell to the floor with a loud clang
clash

Describes an argument or confrontation between people or groups, as well as a harsh noise produced by objects hitting each other.

  • There was a clash between the two teams' supporters outside the stadium
crash

Indicates a sudden, loud noise made by something breaking or hitting something more forcefully. It can also refer to a collision, particularly involving vehicles.

  • We heard a loud crash as the car slammed into the tree

Examples of usage

  • The brashness of the cymbals added an intense energy to the music performance.
  • The brashness of the waves crashing against the shore was deafening.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People who display brashness might be overcompensating for insecurities, seeking attention or validation.
  • Brash behavior can be linked to personality traits such as extroversion or low agreeableness, influencing social interactions.

Pop Culture

  • Characters in films often embody brashness as a comedic or antagonistic trait, exaggerating their confidence for effect.
  • Songs and literature sometimes use brashness as a symbol of rebellion, reflecting a desire to break free from social norms.

Literature

  • Many literary figures use brash protagonists to explore themes of social acceptance and individualism, often leading to conflict.
  • Authors like F. Scott Fitzgerald created brash characters that critique the excesses of society, highlighting moral shortcomings.

Origin of 'brashness'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'brash' comes from the 19th-century English dialect, possibly related to 'brash', meaning 'broken off or brittle'.
  • Originally, it was used to describe something that was hasty or impulsive, leading to its modern connotation of being bold or overconfident.

The word 'brashness' originated from the Middle English word 'braschen', meaning 'to make a sudden noise or crash'. Over time, the meaning evolved to also include the sense of being bold or aggressive. The term 'brashness' has been used since the 16th century to describe behavior that is confident to the point of being shocking or rude.


See also: brash.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranking #37,800, this word is encountered relatively rarely in everyday English. It might appear in literary works or specialized texts but isn't essential for general communication.