Bring about Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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bring about

[ˈbrɪŋ əˈbaʊt ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Phrasal verb

cause

To cause something to happen or exist.

Synonyms

cause, lead to, result in.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bring about

This phrase is used when you want to express that something was made to happen, often intentionally. It highlights the action of making something occur.

  • The new policy will bring about significant changes in the education system
cause

Use this word when referring to something that makes an event or situation happen. It is a straightforward term and is often used in neutral or scientific contexts.

  • Smoking can cause serious health problems
  • The heavy rain caused flooding in the area
lead to

This phrase is used to describe a process where one action or event results in another over time. It is often used to describe a chain of events or gradual outcomes.

  • Years of research led to the discovery of the new vaccine
  • His hard work led to a promotion
result in

This phrase is used when describing something that happens as a consequence of an action or situation. It implies a definitive outcome.

  • The negotiations resulted in a successful agreement
  • Poor maintenance can result in equipment failure

Examples of usage

  • He brought about a change in the company's policy.
  • The new law brought about significant improvements in public safety.
Context #2 | Phrasal verb

achieve

To make something happen, especially to achieve a result.

Synonyms

accomplish, attain, realize.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
bring about

This phrase is commonly used to describe causing something to happen, often a change or result, and can involve an element of effort or intention.

  • The new laws will bring about significant improvements in the healthcare system.
  • They aimed to bring about a revolution in education.
accomplish

This word is used to describe successfully completing a task, effort, or goal, especially something that requires skill or determination.

  • She was able to accomplish all her goals for the year.
  • He accomplished the project ahead of schedule.
attain

This term is typically used to describe achieving something after a lot of effort, often referring to reaching a specific standard or level.

  • After years of study, he attained his dream of becoming a doctor.
  • They attained first place in the competition.
realize

Realize is often used to describe becoming fully aware of something or achieving something that was planned or dreamed of. It can also mean to make something real or concrete.

  • She realized her lifelong dream of opening her own bakery.
  • He gradually realized the scope of his new responsibilities.

Examples of usage

  • She brought about a peaceful resolution to the conflict.
  • The negotiations brought about a successful agreement.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Literature

  • Many authors use the phrase to highlight character development, showing how decisions can lead to significant outcomes in a story.
  • In poetry, the phrase often signifies transformation, where an event or feeling leads to an important revelation or shift.

Psychology

  • The concept of causation in psychology explains how certain actions can bring about emotional or behavioral changes in individuals.
  • Motivational theories often explore how particular stimuli can bring about desired behaviors or changes in mindset.

Pop Culture

  • Songs often use the phrase in their lyrics to signify major life changes, such as love or loss, that 'bring about' a new perspective.
  • In movies, characters frequently face challenges that bring about their growth or transformation throughout their journey.

Science

  • In environmental science, human activities such as pollution can bring about significant changes in ecosystems.
  • The study of cause and effect in physics looks at how one action, like a push, can bring about a series of reactions (e.g., a ball rolling).

Origin of 'bring about'

Main points about word origin

  • The phrase combines 'bring', which has roots in Old English meaning 'to carry or lead', and 'about', which comes from Old English meaning 'around' or 'in regard to'.
  • This phrase has been in use since the 16th century and was often used to describe the act of causing change in a situation.

The phrase 'bring about' has been in use since the 16th century, derived from Middle English. It is a combination of the verb 'bring' and the adverb 'about', indicating the action of causing something to happen or exist. Over the centuries, 'bring about' has become a common phrasal verb in the English language, used in various contexts to describe the process of causing change or achieving a particular result.