The word “brayed” is a term that is not commonly used in everyday conversation. However, it is a word that has a specific meaning and can be found in various contexts. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of “brayed,” its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and example sentences.
Definitions
The term “brayed” can have different meanings depending on the context in which it is used. In general, it refers to a loud, harsh, and unpleasant sound, often made by animals or humans. It can also refer to the act of grinding or crushing something into small pieces, such as herbs or spices.
Origin
The word “brayed” comes from the Old French word “braire,” which means “to bray” or “to make a loud noise.” It is also related to the Latin word “bragire,” which means “to bray” or “to neigh.” The term has been used in English since the 14th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to the Oxford English Dictionary, “brayed” means “to make a loud, harsh, and unpleasant sound, like that of a donkey.” Merriam-Webster defines it as “to utter a loud, harsh cry” or “to crush or grind with a mortar and pestle.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “to make a loud, unpleasant sound like a donkey” or “to crush something into small pieces.”
Associations
The term “brayed” is often associated with the sound of a donkey or a mule. It can also be associated with the sound of a person crying or shouting loudly. In addition, it can be associated with the act of grinding or crushing something into small pieces, such as herbs or spices.
Synonyms
Some synonyms for “brayed” include: bellowed, blared, howled, screeched, shrieked, squawked, yelped, crushed, ground, mashed, pulverized.
Antonyms
Some antonyms for “brayed” include: whispered, murmured, mumbled, muttered, cooed, hummed, ground (as in “smoothly ground”).
The same root words
The word “brayed” is related to several other words that have the same root, including “bray” (noun), which refers to the sound made by a donkey or a mule, and “brayer” (noun), which refers to a tool used for printing or applying ink.
Example Sentences
- The donkey brayed loudly, waking up the entire neighborhood.
- The chef brayed the spices in a mortar and pestle to release their flavors.
- The child brayed in frustration when she couldn’t find her toy.
- The teacher brayed at the students to quiet down and pay attention.
- The artist used a brayer to apply ink to the printing plate.