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Bray: meaning, definitions and examples

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bray

 

[breษช ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

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

bark, hoot, neigh.

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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

call, cry, squawk.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "bray" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น berrar

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เค—เคงเคพ เค•เฅ€ เค†เคตเคพเคœเคผ เคฆเฅ‡เคจเคพ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช wiehern

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ mengaum

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ั€ะตะฒั–ะฝะฝั

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ ryk

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใ„ใชใชใ

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท brailler

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ relinchar

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท iฤŸrenรง ses รงฤฑkarmak

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ๋ธŒ๋ ˆ์ด

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุตูˆุช ุงู„ุฃุชุงู†

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ hล™ebฤรญm

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ bray

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ้ฉดๅซๅฃฐ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ brujati

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ hryggir

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ ะฐะปะฐาฃะดะฐั‚ัƒ

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ™แƒ•แƒแƒšแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ qฤฑลŸqฤฑrmaq

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ rebuznar

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #32,238 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.