Bromide Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
๐งช
bromide
[หbroส.maษชd ]
Definitions
chemical compound
A bromide is a compound that contains the element bromine, typically in combination with another element or a radical. Bromides are often used in various applications, including photography and as sedatives in medicine.
Synonyms
brominated substance, bromine compound, halide.
Examples of usage
- Sodium bromide is often used in photography to produce images.
- The doctor prescribed a bromide to help with insomnia.
- Potassium bromide is considered a common sedative.
- Bromides can also be found in some pesticides.
clichรฉ expression
In a more informal context, a bromide refers to a trite or unoriginal remark that is intended to placate or reassure. Such expressions are often criticized for lacking originality or depth.
Synonyms
Examples of usage
- He offered a bromide about the importance of hard work during the meeting.
- Her speech was full of bromides that failed to resonate with the audience.
- They exchanged bromides about the weather to fill the silence.
- In times of crisis, people often resort to bromides to comfort themselves.
Translations
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Interesting Facts
Psychology
- People often use bromides when they feel uncomfortable or unsure, as familiar phrases can provide comfort.
- Overreliance on clichรฉs can inhibit original thinking and deep communication.
- In therapeutic settings, avoiding bromides is encouraged to foster more meaningful dialogue and understanding.
Literature
- Classic literature often critiques the use of bromides, highlighting their tendency to oversimplify complex emotions.
- Famous literary figures, like Mark Twain, noted the danger of these phrases, calling them 'the slush of the poets.'
- In modern writing, an effective work usually avoids bromides to maintain authenticity and relatability.
Pop Culture
- Popular TV shows often use bromides to comedic effect, poking fun at the predictability of common sayings.
- The phrase 'everything happens for a reason' is a well-known bromide, reflecting a common sentiment in various cultures.
- Musicians and artists frequently critique bromides in their work, aiming to push against conventional norms.
Communication
- In speeches, excessive use of bromides can dilute the speaker's message and fail to engage the audience.
- Avoiding bromides is important for effective writing, as original thoughts resonate more with readers.
- Bromides not only reduce impact but can also signal laziness in thought or a lack of genuine engagement with a topic.
Origin of 'bromide'
Main points about word origin
- The term 'bromide' comes from the chemical 'bromine,' but in language, it refers to a stale or boring phrase.
- It was first widely used in the context of literature in the late 1800s, reflecting common thoughts of the time.
- The word signifies something that can โcalmโ or โsoothe,โ paralleling the role of bromide compounds in medicine, used historically as sedatives.
The term 'bromide' originates from the mid-19th century, derived from the chemical element 'bromine,' which itself was named from the Greek word 'bromos' meaning 'stench' due to the unpleasant odor of bromine gas. The suffix '-ide' is commonly used in chemistry to denote a binary compound, especially those related to halogens. Initially, bromides were associated primarily with their chemical applications, but by the early 20th century, the term began to take on a metaphorical meaning, referring to cliched phrases or expressions. This shift highlights the evolution of language, where scientific terms can transition into general vocabulary, reflecting cultural attitudes towards originality, comfort, and human interaction. Consequently, bromide has come to embody both a literal chemical substance and a figurative element of conversation that underscores a lack of originality.