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Brow Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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brow

[braสŠ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

facial feature

The brow refers to the area of the forehead just above the eyes, often associated with the eyebrows. It can be a prominent feature on a person's face and is used in various expressions. The morphology of the brow has cultural significance and can convey emotions such as surprise or concern. In artistic representations, the brow is often emphasized to communicate character traits.

Synonyms

eyebrow area, forehead, frontal bone area.

Examples of usage

  • She furrowed her brow in concentration.
  • He raised his brow in disbelief.
  • The artist captured the intricate details of her brow.
  • With a furrowed brow, he listened to the news.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Cultural Significance

  • Brow movements are key indicators in non-verbal communication, conveying emotions like surprise or anger, showing how expressive our faces can be.
  • In many cultures, a furrowed brow can symbolize wisdom or deep thought, while arched brows are often seen in literature and art as a sign of beauty.

Literature

  • In poetry and literature, 'brow' is often referenced to indicate nobility or strength, as in phrases describing a hero's regal brow.
  • Famous works, such as Shakespeare's plays, frequently utilize 'brow' to evoke depth of character and emotion in their descriptions.

Art

  • Artists often emphasize the brow in portraits to capture a subject's personality, reflecting inner feelings through subtle facial details.
  • Iconic artworks, like the 'Mona Lisa', pay particular attention to the brow as it adds to the enigmatic expression of the figure.

Health

  • The brow area is crucial for expressions that can affect communication and social interactions, emphasizing emotional intelligence.
  • Certain health conditions can result in changes to the brow, such as drooping, which can affect oneโ€™s self-esteem and perception.

Origin of 'brow'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'brow' comes from Old English 'brลซ', which means forepart of the head, showing its long-standing use in describing the forehead region.
  • In various languages, like French ('front') and Spanish ('frente'), the words for brow also refer to the forehead, showcasing common linguistic roots.

The term 'brow' comes from Old English 'brลซ', which meant 'forehead.' This word traces its roots back to Proto-Germanic '*brลซwล', indicating a long-standing reference to this part of the face across various cultures. In different linguistic contexts, 'brow' has evolved in meaning and usage but has consistently related to the area above the eyes. Through the centuries, it has been referenced in literature and art, often symbolizing thought, expression, and emotion. The usage of 'brow' in poetry and prose has added to its richness as a descriptor of human expression, making it not just anatomical but also an important element in conveying mood and character.

Word Frequency Rank

At #6,954 in frequency, this word belongs to advanced vocabulary. It's less common than core vocabulary but important for sophisticated expression.