Bray Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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bray
[breษช ]
Definitions
animal sound
To bray means to make the characteristic loud, harsh cry of a donkey. This sound is often associated with the animal's typical behavior, particularly when it is agitated, excited, or calling to others. Bray can also metaphorically refer to a loud or harsh speech that lacks subtlety or refinement. The term is most commonly used in the context of describing the vocalization of donkeys, and it can imply a degree of annoyance or disruption when used in relation to human behavior.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The donkey began to bray loudly in the field.
- She couldn't help but bray with laughter at his joke.
- The braying of the donkey could be heard from a distance.
- His speech was so unrefined, it felt like he was braying rather than speaking.
animal sound
A bray refers to the sound made by a donkey. It is a distinct noise that often carries over long distances, especially in rural areas. The bray is typically loud and can signal various emotions, from fear to excitement. Besides its literal meaning, the term can also be used figuratively to describe any loud and grating sound made by a person or an object.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- The bray of the donkey echoed through the valley.
- He let out a bray of laughter that startled everyone.
- The annoying bray of the horn disrupted the quiet night.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Animal Behavior
- Donkeys bray as a form of communication, to express hunger, alertness, or during social interactions with other animals.
- The sound can vary in pitch and duration, allowing donkeys to convey different messages to each other.
Literature
- Bray has been used metaphorically in literature to describe someone speaking in a loud, foolish, or annoying manner.
- In 'Animal Farm' by George Orwell, the donkey character's braying signifies a simple, unrefined perspective among the more articulate animals.
Pop Culture
- In various cartoons, donkeys are often depicted braying loudly, emphasizing their comedic nature.
- The famous character Eeyore from 'Winnie the Pooh' occasionally brays to express his gloominess, showcasing this sound in a relatable way.
Science
- Researchers have studied the acoustics of donkey brays to understand their emotional states, showing that pitch can indicate distress or excitement.
- Braying serves as a social bonding tool among donkeys, reinforcing hierarchies and maintaining group cohesion.
Origin of 'bray'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'bray' comes from the Middle English 'brayen', which meant to make a loud noise, especially like a donkey.
- Related words in other languages include the Spanish 'briar', which also describes the sound of animals.
The word 'bray' comes from the Middle English 'brayen', which is believed to have roots in Old French 'braier', meaning 'to bray or make a noise like a donkey'. Old French is linked to the Vulgar Latin *bracare, which is likely imitative of the sounds made by the animal. The sound itself, much like other onomatopoeic words, is designed to mimic the actual sound being described. The use of the word in English dates back to the 14th century, and the spelling has remained relatively consistent over the centuries. In addition to its primary meaning, it has also taken on metaphorical connotations over time, used to describe any loud, harsh, or obnoxious noise made by a person or machine, often conveying a sense of annoyance.