ENGLISH
REFERENCE

brash

adj.
C1 Advanced US //ˈbɹæʃ// UK //bɹˈæʃ// brash Archaic Informal

adj. describing a rock that has a rough, uneven surface and looks like it was broken by a sudden, strong force.

adj. characterised by a rough, uneven surface and a lack of smoothness, typically resulting from a sudden impact or fracture. Often used to describe the appearance of igneous rocks like granite.


SIMPLE

The brash surface of the granite made it difficult to polish.

CONTEXTUAL

The geologist noted the brash texture of the rock, which suggested it had fractured under high pressure rather than eroding slowly.

COMPLEX

The brash nature of the exposed bedrock provided a stark contrast to the surrounding sedimentary layers, indicating a history of violent tectonic activity in the region.

Synonyms
Etymology 1

Uncertain. Perhaps from Scots brash, brasch (“a violent onset; an attack or assault”). Perhaps also related to Dutch bars (“stern; strict”), German barsch (“harsh; unfriendly”), Danish barsk (“harsh; rough; tough”), Swedish barsk (“harsh; impetuous”).

Etymology 2

Compare American English bresk, brusk (“fragile, brittle”).

© 2026 English Reference