Bracket
/ˈbrækɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsA device that supports or fastens something, or a mark used in writing or printing to enclose a word or phrase.
/ˈbrækɪt/
A support or a mark of punctuation.
The shelf was held up by a sturdy metal bracket.
💡 Simply: Something that holds or supports, or a punctuation mark.
More Examples
Parentheses ( ) and square brackets [ ] are used in many languages.
How It's Used
"Use brackets to group terms in the equation."
"Parentheses and brackets are both types of punctuation."
To enclose within brackets; to place in a particular category or group.
/ˈbrækɪt/
To include or categorize within a range or group.
The results were bracketed together for analysis.
💡 Simply: To put something in a group or range.
More Examples
Her performance was bracketed among the best.
How It's Used
"The data points were bracketed into age groups."
"His age is bracketed between 30 and 40."
From Middle English *braket, from Anglo-French braquet, diminutive of brac 'arm of a tree'.
The use of brackets for punctuation developed over time, initially being less standardized.
Memory tip
Think of a bracket holding something up, like a shelf bracket.