ENGLISH
REFERENCE

brawn

n. uncountable
C2 Proficiency US //ˈbɹɔn// UK //bɹˈɔːn// brawn Dialect

n. the physical strength and power of a person or animal. It is often used to describe someone who is very strong but not necessarily smart.

n. physical strength or power, especially in a person or animal. Often contrasted with 'brain' to describe a person who relies on physical force rather than intellect.


SIMPLE

He has the brawn of a professional athlete.

CONTEXTUAL

The job requires more brawn than brains, as it involves lifting heavy crates all day.

COMPLEX

While the lead character is celebrated for his intellectual prowess, his sidekick is defined by his sheer brawn and physical intimidation.

Synonyms
Origin

From Middle English brawne, from Old French braon (“slice of meat, fleshy part, buttock”), from Frankish brādon, brādan, accusative form of brādō (“roasted meat, ham”), from Proto-Germanic brēdô (“meat, roast”), of uncertain further origin, but possibly from Proto-Indo-European *bʰreh₁- (“to burn, heat”). Akin to Old High German brāto (“tender meat”) (German Braten (“roast”)), Old English brǣde, brǣd (“flesh, meat”), Old Norse bráð (“raw meat”).

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