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Brim Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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brim

[brɪm ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

edge

The upper edge of a vessel or other container.

Synonyms

edge, lip, rim.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brim

Used to describe the upper edge of a container, especially when it is filled to the top. It can also refer to the upper edge of a hat.

  • The glass was filled to the brim with water.
  • He tipped his hat by the brim.
edge

Used to describe the outermost boundary of a surface or area, often implying a sharp boundary in physical or metaphorical contexts.

  • The edge of the table was rough.
  • She was on the edge of tears.
rim

Used to describe the outer boundary of a rounded object, such as a wheel or a circular container.

  • The basketball bounced off the rim.
  • The pot had a decorative rim.
lip

Generally used to describe the edge of a hollow or curved object, such as a cup or a wound. 'Lip' can also refer to the fleshy part around the mouth.

  • She took a sip from the lip of the cup.
  • The wound's lip was swollen.

Examples of usage

  • The tea slopped over the brim of the cup.
  • The glass was filled to the brim with water.
Context #2 | Noun

fullness

The point at which something is full to overflowing.

Synonyms

capacity, fullness, overflowing.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brim

Note: Duplicate of the previous word. The same context and examples apply.

  • The cup was filled to the brim with coffee
  • Her eyes were brimming with tears
fullness

Describes a state of being filled, often related to feelings or health.

  • She felt a sense of fullness after the large meal
  • The fullness of the garden was breathtaking
overflowing

Used when something exceeds its limits and spills over. Often implies abundance and can have a slightly chaotic or uncontrolled connotation.

  • The river was overflowing after the heavy rain
  • Her heart was overflowing with joy
capacity

Refers to the maximum amount something can hold. Often used in technical, scientific, or formal contexts.

  • The tank has a capacity of 100 liters
  • The room's capacity is 50 people

Examples of usage

  • His happiness was to the brim.
  • The auditorium was filled to the brim with excited fans.
Context #3 | Verb

fill

Fill or be full to the point of overflowing.

Synonyms

fill, flood, overflow.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
brim

Used to describe something that is filled to the very top edge, often creating the impression that it might spill over. It can be used both literally and metaphorically.

  • The cup was filled to the brim with hot coffee.
  • Her eyes were brimming with tears of joy.
fill

Used to describe the act of making something full or to occupy available space. It is the most general term and can be applied in a wide range of scenarios.

  • Please fill the glass with water.
  • He filled the entire form with his information.
overflow

Used when a container or space holds more content than it can usually accommodate, causing the excess to spill over. Can be both literal and metaphorical.

  • The bathtub overflowed, causing water to spill onto the floor.
  • She felt an overflow of emotions after hearing the good news.
flood

Typically used to describe a large volume of water overflowing onto usually dry land. It can be metaphorically used to describe being overwhelmed by a large quantity of something. Often carries a negative connotation.

  • The river flood inundated the entire village.
  • The inbox was flooded with emails after the announcement.

Examples of usage

  • Her eyes brimmed with tears.
  • The river brimmed after the heavy rainfall.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Fashion

  • In fashion, brims are often associated with hats; a wide brim protects from sun and rain, adding style and function.
  • Different cultures have unique styles of brims, from the fedora's narrow brim to the wide floppy brims of sun hats.

Psychology

  • Metaphorically, when we say someone is 'full to the brim,' it describes a state of being overwhelmed with emotions or stress.
  • Brimming with joy or excitement depicts someone whose feelings are overflowing, suggesting a rich emotional experience.

Literature

  • In poetry and prose, 'brim' can evoke imagery of fullness, especially in contexts like a brimming cup signifying abundance or happiness.
  • Writers often use brim-like descriptions to illustrate characters who are at their limit, whether with emotions or actions.

Nature

  • In nature, a tree's crown can be described as brimming with leaves, showcasing how fullness can also apply to organic life.
  • The brim of a riverbank is crucial for understanding water levels, especially in terms of flood risks and ecosystems.

Origin of 'brim'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'brim' comes from Old English 'brymm,' meaning 'the edge or margin of a container.'
  • Originally, the term was related to the physical border of a body of water, indicating the limits of its reach.

The word 'brim' originated from Middle English and Old English, with the meaning of 'edge' or 'rim'. It has been used for centuries to describe the upper edge of a container or the point of fullness. The verb form of 'brim' emerged later, indicating the action of filling something to the point of overflowing. Over time, 'brim' has become a versatile word used in various contexts to depict fullness, abundance, and overflowing emotions.

See also: brimming.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #15,372, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.