Briefcase: meaning, definitions and examples

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briefcase

 

[หˆbriหfkeษชs ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

business

A briefcase is a flat, rectangular bag with a handle, used for carrying business papers and documents.

Synonyms

attache case, document bag, portfolio.

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Word Description / Examples
briefcase

A briefcase is generally used for carrying business documents, papers, and sometimes laptops. It is commonly associated with professionals such as lawyers, businessmen, and salespeople.

  • She carried her briefcase into the meeting room
  • The lawyer placed the contract into his briefcase
portfolio

A portfolio is used for carrying and showcasing a collection of work, such as art, photographs, or architecture designs. It can also refer to an investment collection in a financial context.

  • The artist displayed her drawings from her portfolio
  • The graphic designer brought his portfolio to the job interview
attache case

An attache case is a type of narrow, rigid briefcase traditionally used for carrying documents and other items to meetings. It is often viewed as elegant and slightly old-fashioned.

  • The diplomat arrived with an attache case containing sensitive documents
  • He opened his attache case to retrieve the financial report
document bag

A document bag is a more casual and flexible bag used for carrying documents, files, and sometimes electronic devices. It is less formal than a briefcase.

  • She put her homework in the document bag before heading to class
  • The artist carried sketches and papers in a document bag

Examples of usage

  • John always carries his important documents in his briefcase.
  • She left her briefcase in the office yesterday.
  • The businessman was seen with a leather briefcase.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'briefcase' combines 'brief,' which refers to important documents, and 'case,' meaning a container.
  • It originated in the mid-19th century, reflecting the rise of business and office work.
  • The term 'brief' comes from the Latin word 'brevis,' meaning short, highlighting the formality and succinctness of business documents.

History

  • In the late 1800s, the briefcase was a symbol of professionalism, particularly for lawyers and businessmen.
  • The design evolved from earlier satchels and leather bags used by travelers and merchants.
  • During the 20th century, briefcases became more popular with the growth of corporate America and the rise of office culture.

Pop Culture

  • Iconic characters in movies, such as James Bond, often carry designer briefcases, emphasizing style and sophistication.
  • In popular media, a briefcase is a common prop in crime dramas or heist films, symbolizing hidden secrets and critical information.
  • Briefcases are often portrayed as essential tools for detectives and spies, representing their professional identity.

Fashion

  • Briefcases have evolved from purely functional items to fashion statements, with many designer brands producing luxury versions.
  • Materials used range from traditional leather to modern fabrics, reflecting personal style and taste.
  • Different designs, like the messenger bag or attachรฉ case, offer versatility for various professional and casual contexts.

Technology

  • With the rise of laptops, briefcases are now designed with compartments specifically for tech gadgets and accessories.
  • Smart briefcases equipped with charging ports and GPS tracking are becoming increasingly popular in the tech-savvy workforce.
  • The transition to digital documents has influenced the design of briefcases, leading to lighter, more compact options.

Translations

Translations of the word "briefcase" in other languages:

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡น maleta

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ณ เคฌเฅเคฐเฅ€เคซเค•เฅ‡เคธ

๐Ÿ‡ฉ๐Ÿ‡ช Aktentasche

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ฉ koper

๐Ÿ‡บ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ะฟะพั€ั‚ั„ะตะปัŒ

๐Ÿ‡ต๐Ÿ‡ฑ teczka

๐Ÿ‡ฏ๐Ÿ‡ต ใƒ–ใƒชใƒผใƒ•ใ‚ฑใƒผใ‚น

๐Ÿ‡ซ๐Ÿ‡ท mallette

๐Ÿ‡ช๐Ÿ‡ธ maletรญn

๐Ÿ‡น๐Ÿ‡ท evrak รงantasฤฑ

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ท ์„œ๋ฅ˜ ๊ฐ€๋ฐฉ

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฆ ุญู‚ูŠุจุฉ ุฃูˆุฑุงู‚

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ฟ aktovka

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฐ aktovka

๐Ÿ‡จ๐Ÿ‡ณ ๅ…ฌๆ–‡ๅŒ…

๐Ÿ‡ธ๐Ÿ‡ฎ aktovka

๐Ÿ‡ฎ๐Ÿ‡ธ skjalataska

๐Ÿ‡ฐ๐Ÿ‡ฟ า›าฑะถะฐั‚ ัำฉะผะบะตัั–

๐Ÿ‡ฌ๐Ÿ‡ช แƒ‘แƒ แƒ˜แƒคแƒ™แƒ”แƒ˜แƒกแƒ˜

๐Ÿ‡ฆ๐Ÿ‡ฟ portfel

๐Ÿ‡ฒ๐Ÿ‡ฝ maletรญn

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,919, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.