Brace
/breɪs/
Definitions
3 meaningsTo prepare for something difficult.
/breɪs/
To prepare oneself for something difficult or unpleasant.
He braced himself against the wall.
💡 Simply: Get ready for something tough.
More Examples
Brace yourselves for impact!
How It's Used
"She braced herself for the bad news."
To support or strengthen.
/breɪs/
To support or strengthen something.
The bridge was braced with steel beams.
💡 Simply: To make something stronger or more stable.
How It's Used
"We need to brace the wall to prevent it from collapsing."
A support or strengthening device.
/breɪs/
A device used to support or strengthen something.
He used a brace to support the broken leg.
💡 Simply: Something that holds things together or makes them stronger.
More Examples
The braces on the bridge were crucial.
How It's Used
"The dentist put braces on my teeth."
"The building uses metal braces for support."
Idioms & expressions
brace oneself
To prepare for something difficult or unpleasant.
"She braced herself for the bad news."
From Old French *bracer, meaning "to arm," ultimately from a Germanic root.
Historically, "brace" has also been used to mean "a pair" or "set", as in "a brace of pheasants."
Memory tip
Imagine bracing your muscles before lifting a heavy weight.