Brown Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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brown

[braสŠn ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

color

of a color produced by mixing red, yellow, and black, as of dark wood or rich soil.

Synonyms

chestnut, dark, mahogany.

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Word Description / Examples
brown

General description of the color brown, often used to describe everyday objects.

  • The dog has brown fur
  • I wore a brown jacket
dark

To describe a deeper shade of a color, can be used for many colors, not just brown. It can also convey a sense of mood or atmosphere.

  • He chose a dark suit for the event
  • The room was dark and eerie
chestnut

To describe a reddish-brown color, commonly used for describing hair, horses, or wood.

  • She has beautiful chestnut hair
  • The chestnut horse ran swiftly across the field
mahogany

To refer to a specific reddish-brown color, typically used to describe wood types or objects made from such wood.

  • The table is made of mahogany
  • She admired the mahogany cabinets in the kitchen

Examples of usage

  • The old barn was painted a deep brown color.
  • She wore a brown dress to the party.
Context #2 | Noun

color

a color produced by mixing red, yellow, and black, as of dark wood or rich soil.

Synonyms

ochre, tan, umber.

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Word Description / Examples
brown

This is a general term for a color that is common and easily recognizable. It's often used in everyday conversation, descriptions of objects, food, or nature.

  • She wore a brown jacket.
  • The leaves turned brown in the fall.

Examples of usage

  • The artist used various shades of brown in the painting.
  • The brown of the autumn leaves was beautiful.
Context #3 | Noun

animal

an animal of a breed of beef cattle with a brown coat.

Synonyms

bull, cattle, cow.

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Word Description / Examples
brown

Used to describe something that is of a color similar to that of chocolate or coffee. It's commonly used when talking about objects, nature, or even hair color.

  • She wore a brown coat.
  • The leaves turned brown in the fall.
  • He has brown eyes.
cattle

A general term used to refer to a group of domesticated bovine animals, such as cows and bulls, usually raised for meat or dairy products.

  • The rancher took his cattle to graze in the field.
  • Cattle farming is a major industry in this region.
cow

Specifically refers to a female bovine animal, often used for milk production. It's a common term on farms and in the agriculture industry.

  • The cow produced a lot of milk this morning.
  • She has a herd of cows on her farm.
bull

Refers specifically to a male bovine animal that is often used for breeding purposes. This word might also be used metaphorically to describe someone who is very aggressive or strong.

  • The farmer owns a prize-winning bull.
  • He charged through the room like a bull in a china shop.

Examples of usage

  • The farm had a herd of brown cows.
  • The brown bull stood proudly in the field.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Brown is often associated with feelings of stability and reliability, similar to the earth and nature.
  • People who favor brown tend to be perceived as down-to-earth, practical, and dependable.
  • In design, brown can evoke a sense of comfort and warmth, making spaces feel welcoming.

Cultural Significance

  • In various cultures, brown represents nature and the earthy aspects of life, often seen in art and fashion.
  • Brown is a popular color in many traditional garments around the world, indicating a connection to the earth.
  • Chocolate, which is brown, represents indulgence and pleasure in countless celebrations around the world.

Art

  • Brown paint was one of the first colors used by ancient artists, derived from natural earth pigments.
  • Many famous artists like Rembrandt and Van Gogh used brown hues to create depth and warmth in their paintings.
  • The color brown is often used to portray emotion and atmosphere in art, making it a vital part of visual storytelling.

Nature

  • Many animals, such as bears and deer, have brown fur, which helps them blend into their natural environments.
  • The color brown is commonly seen in the fall season when leaves change color before they fall.
  • Brown soil is crucial for agriculture, symbolizing fertility and growth in many ecosystems.

Origin of 'brown'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'brown' comes from the Old English word 'brลซn' which means dark or dusky.
  • Ancient languages like Latin and Greek had their own terms for shades of brown, demonstrating its historical significance.
  • In many cultures, brown has been used to describe aspects of life like earth and humility, which is reflected in its name origins.

The word 'brown' originated from the Old English word 'brลซn', which is related to the Old Norse word 'brลซnn'. The color brown has been associated with earth, wood, and nature for centuries. It is a warm and comforting color often used in interior design and fashion. In nature, brown can be found in soil, tree bark, and the fur of many animals.


See also: brownout.

Word Frequency Rank

This word ranks #1,614, placing it within important intermediate vocabulary. Learning it will significantly improve your ability to express yourself in English.