Brew: meaning, definitions and examples

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brew

 

[bruː ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Verb

making coffee

Prepare (beer, coffee, or tea) by mixing it with hot water.

Synonyms

make, mix, prepare.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brew

When talking about making beverages like tea, coffee, or beer. It implies a process that involves steeping, boiling, or fermentation.

  • She likes to brew her own beer at home
  • He waited for the tea to brew

Examples of usage

  • I brewed a pot of coffee for breakfast.
  • She brewed a delicious cup of tea for me.
Context #2 | Noun

beer making

Beer or other drink made by brewing.

Synonyms

ale, beer, drink.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brew

Usually describes the process of making a beverage, typically beer, or can refer to the beverage itself.

  • He loves to brew his own beer at home
  • The new local brew is gaining popularity
beer

General term for the alcoholic drink made from fermented barley, hops, water, and yeast. It is the most common term and can be used in almost any context involving this type of drink.

  • Let's grab a beer after work
  • The festival featured a variety of beers from around the world
ale

Specific type of beer that is brewed using a warm fermentation process, often with a higher alcohol content.

  • She ordered a pint of pale ale
  • The pub is famous for its selection of craft ales
drink

Broad term that refers to any liquid meant for consumption, but commonly used to refer to alcoholic beverages in casual speech.

  • Do you want a drink? They went out for drinks after the meeting

Examples of usage

  • He enjoys trying different craft brews.
  • The brewery is known for its unique brews.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word originated from the Old English 'breowan', meaning 'to boil' or 'to brew', showing its deep roots in cooking.
  • In Middle English, 'brew' referred specifically to making alcoholic beverages, highlighting its historical importance.
  • The term has evolved to encompass a variety of drinks including tea, coffee, and beer, indicating a broadening of its use.

Cultural Significance

  • Brewing has been a significant part of various cultures, with ancient Egyptians and Sumerians known to brew beer over 5,000 years ago.
  • In many cultures, sharing a brewed drink is a form of hospitality, symbolizing friendship and comfort.
  • Tea ceremonies in East Asia emphasize the artistry of brewing, transforming a simple drink into a meditative experience.

Science

  • Brewing involves a complex chemical process where hot water extracts flavors and nutrients from the ingredients, like tea leaves or coffee beans.
  • Different temperatures and brewing times can significantly alter the taste and aroma of the final drink.
  • Yeast plays a crucial role in brewing beer, as it ferments sugars into alcohol, creating various styles and flavors.

Literature

  • Many famous authors, such as J.R.R. Tolkien, have referenced the act of brewing, often tying it to themes of community and warmth.
  • In classic literature, the brewing process is sometimes used as a metaphor for transformation and creation, both in drinks and in life.
  • Poetry often romanticizes the ritual of brewing, likening it to nurturing connections among friends and family.

Pop Culture

  • Brewing has gained immense popularity due to craft beer culture, with hundreds of burgeoning small breweries opening up worldwide.
  • Coffee brewing methods, such as pour-over and French press, have become trendy topics on social media platforms.
  • Movies and shows often depict characters bonding over cups of brewed drinks, emphasizing their role in storytelling.

Translations

Translations of the word "brew" in other languages:

🇵🇹 fermentar

🇮🇳 शराब बनाना

🇩🇪 brauen

🇮🇩 menyeduh

🇺🇦 варити

🇵🇱 warzyć

🇯🇵 醸造する (じょうぞうする)

🇫🇷 brasser

🇪🇸 elaborar

🇹🇷 demlemek

🇰🇷 양조하다 (양조하다)

🇸🇦 تخمير

🇨🇿 vařit

🇸🇰 variť

🇨🇳 酿造 (niàngzào)

🇸🇮 variti

🇮🇸 brugga

🇰🇿 қайнату

🇬🇪 ხარშვა

🇦🇿 qaynatmaq

🇲🇽 elaborar

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #18,354, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.