Explanation at your level:
A bra is a piece of clothing. Women wear it under their shirts to support their body. You can buy a bra at a clothing store. It is a very common word for everyone to know.
When you go shopping for clothes, you might see many different types of bras. Some are for sports, and some are for everyday wear. It is important to find the right size so it is comfortable for you.
The word bra is the standard term for a support garment. While you might hear the word brassière in very old books or formal contexts, native speakers almost always use the short form bra. It is a neutral word used in daily life.
Using the word bra is perfectly acceptable in almost any social situation. However, because it is an intimate garment, it is usually discussed in private or in contexts related to shopping, health, or fashion. Be mindful of the setting when bringing up the topic.
In contemporary discourse, the bra is often discussed in the context of fashion history, body positivity, and the evolution of gender roles. The term itself is simple, but the cultural weight behind it is significant. It represents a shift from the restrictive corsetry of the past to more modern, functional, and self-expressive attire.
The etymological journey of bra from the French brassière reflects broader changes in Western sartorial history. As a linguistic marker, it signifies the move toward practical, liberated fashion. In literary or academic analysis, discussing the bra often involves examining the intersection of utility, aesthetics, and the societal expectations placed upon the female form throughout the 20th and 21st centuries.
Word in 30 Seconds
- Bra is a common noun for a support garment.
- It is short for the French word 'brassière'.
- It is a countable, neutral noun.
- It is used in daily life, fashion, and shopping contexts.
The word bra is the shortened form of the French term brassière. In everyday English, it is the most common term used to describe this essential piece of undergarment. It serves both a functional purpose, providing support and comfort, and often a aesthetic one, as part of a person's fashion choices.
You will find that bra is a neutral, widely accepted term used in almost all contexts, from shopping at a department store to discussing clothing with friends. It is a very common noun that you will hear in daily life, especially when talking about fashion, health, or personal care. Understanding this word is key to navigating conversations about clothing and personal hygiene in English-speaking cultures.
The word bra is a clipped form of the French word brassière. Historically, brassière in French referred to a child's undershirt or a type of bodice. It wasn't until the early 20th century that the term was adopted into English specifically to describe the modern support garment we know today.
The evolution of the bra is quite fascinating! Before the modern bra became popular, women often wore corsets which were much more restrictive. The transition to the bra marked a significant shift in women's fashion, prioritizing comfort and mobility. The term bra officially entered the English lexicon around the 1930s, becoming the standard shorthand for the longer, more formal brassière.
In English, we typically use the word bra in a very straightforward way. You might hear people talk about buying a new bra, wearing a sports bra, or taking off their bra at the end of a long day. It is a standard noun, and it is almost always used in the singular or plural form bras.
When you are shopping, you might hear terms like underwire bra, push-up bra, or strapless bra. These are common collocations that describe the specific type or function of the garment. The register is neutral; it is not considered overly formal or slang, making it perfectly appropriate for any standard conversation about clothing.
While there aren't many traditional idioms involving the word 'bra', it appears in several cultural phrases. 1. Burn your bra: Refers to the feminist movement of the 1960s. 2. Bra-less: Describing someone not wearing a bra. 3. Sports bra: A specific type for exercise. 4. Bra strap: Often used in the phrase 'your bra strap is showing'. 5. Underwire bra: A specific style known for extra support.
Grammatically, bra is a countable noun. You can say a bra, the bra, or bras (plural). It follows standard English noun rules. The pronunciation in both British and American English is /brɑː/, rhyming with spa, ma, and ah. The stress is on the single syllable.
When using it in a sentence, it often acts as the object of a verb, such as 'I need to buy a new bra.' It is a very simple word to use, and you don't need to worry about complex verb patterns or irregular plurals. Just remember to treat it like any other piece of clothing, like 'shirt' or 'sock'.
Fun Fact
It was shortened from the French word 'brassière' in the early 20th century.
Pronunciation Guide
Sounds like 'brah'.
Sounds like 'brah'.
Common Errors
- Pronouncing it like 'bar'
- Adding an extra syllable
- Confusing with 'bray'
Rhymes With
Difficulty Rating
Very easy to read
Simple to write
Easy to pronounce
Easy to hear
What to Learn Next
Prerequisites
Learn Next
Advanced
Grammar to Know
Countable Nouns
a bra, two bras
Present Simple
She wears a bra.
Articles
I bought a bra.
Examples by Level
She bought a new bra.
She / bought / a / new / bra.
Simple past tense.
Where is my bra?
Where / is / my / bra?
Question form.
I need a bra.
I / need / a / bra.
Verb 'need'.
This bra is soft.
This / bra / is / soft.
Adjective 'soft'.
She wears a bra.
She / wears / a / bra.
Present tense.
Do you like this bra?
Do / you / like / this / bra?
Question.
The bra is white.
The / bra / is / white.
Color adjective.
I have many bras.
I / have / many / bras.
Plural form.
She prefers a sports bra for running.
The bra was on sale at the store.
He helped her pick out a comfortable bra.
I need to wash my bras today.
The strap of her bra broke.
She tried on a black bra.
This bra fits me very well.
Do you have this bra in a different color?
Finding a bra that fits perfectly can be difficult.
She decided to wear a strapless bra with her dress.
The store sells a wide variety of bras for every size.
I think this bra is a bit too tight.
She adjusted her bra strap while walking.
Many women prefer an underwire bra for extra support.
He bought her a nice bra as a gift.
It is important to replace your bra when it gets worn out.
The evolution of the bra is a key topic in fashion history.
She felt much more comfortable once she took off her bra.
Modern bras are designed with both comfort and style in mind.
The advertisement featured a new line of luxury bras.
Some people choose to go bra-less for comfort.
The store assistant helped her measure for the right bra size.
She was embarrassed when her bra strap slipped down.
There are many different styles of bras available online.
The cultural significance of the bra has shifted dramatically over the last century.
She was looking for a minimalist bra that offered support without being restrictive.
The debate over the necessity of the bra continues in some feminist circles.
High-end fashion brands are redefining what a luxury bra looks like.
She found it difficult to find a sustainable bra made from organic materials.
The engineering behind a good sports bra is surprisingly complex.
Many women find that the right bra can significantly improve their posture.
The marketing of the bra has always been closely tied to concepts of femininity.
The brassière, as it was originally termed, underwent a radical transformation in the 1920s.
Sociological studies often cite the bra as a symbol of the changing domestic and public roles of women.
The structural integrity of the bra relies on a precise balance of tension and elasticity.
From a historical perspective, the abandonment of the corset for the bra was a pivotal moment in sartorial liberation.
The iconography of the bra in 20th-century media is a subject of extensive academic research.
She analyzed the design of the bra through the lens of ergonomic efficiency.
The retail industry for the bra is a multi-billion dollar global market.
The subtle nuances of bra design reflect broader trends in body image and self-perception.
Common Collocations
Idioms & Expressions
"burn your bra"
To protest against traditional gender roles.
The movement was famously associated with the phrase 'burn your bra'.
historical"bra-less"
Not wearing a bra.
She felt comfortable going bra-less.
casual"under your bra"
Literally something kept inside.
She kept the note under her bra.
casual"bra strap showing"
When a strap is visible.
You have your bra strap showing.
casual"bra fitting"
A service to measure size.
I went for a professional bra fitting.
neutral"bra line"
The mark left by a bra.
She had a red bra line on her back.
casualEasily Confused
Similar spelling
Brasserie is a restaurant, bra is clothing
I ate at the brasserie vs I bought a bra.
Similar sound
Bar is a place for drinks
I went to the bar vs I wore a bra.
Similar sound
Bray is a donkey sound
The donkey brayed vs I bought a bra.
Same sound
Brae is a hillside
The brae was steep vs I bought a bra.
Sentence Patterns
Subject + bought + a + bra
She bought a bra.
Subject + is + wearing + a + bra
She is wearing a bra.
Subject + needs + a + new + bra
I need a new bra.
Subject + adjusted + her + bra
She adjusted her bra.
Subject + prefers + a + sports + bra
She prefers a sports bra.
Word Family
Nouns
Related
How to Use It
8
Formality Scale
Common Mistakes
Brassiere sounds very formal or old-fashioned.
A brasserie is a type of French restaurant.
You cannot 'bra' something, you 'wear' a bra.
Bra is a countable noun.
Different vowel sound and meaning.
Tips
Memory Palace
Place a bra in your bedroom closet in your mind.
Native Usage
Use it naturally in clothing contexts.
Cultural Insight
It is a standard fashion item.
Grammar Shortcut
It is just a regular countable noun.
Say It Right
Rhymes with 'spa'.
Don't confuse
Don't say 'brasserie'.
Did You Know?
It replaced the corset.
Study Smart
Use it in sentences about shopping.
Practice
Say it in front of a mirror.
Context
Use it when talking about clothes.
Memorize It
Mnemonic
Think of 'bra' as 'B' for 'Breast' and 'RA' for 'Ready Always'.
Visual Association
A clothing store shelf with many bras.
Word Web
Challenge
Say 'I need a new bra' to practice the sound.
Word Origin
French
Original meaning: Child's undershirt
Cultural Context
It is an intimate item; use discretion in public discussions.
It is a standard term used in all English-speaking countries.
Practice in Real Life
Real-World Contexts
Shopping
- Do you have this bra in my size?
- Where is the bra section?
- I need a new bra.
Getting Dressed
- I need to put on a bra.
- My bra is uncomfortable.
- I forgot my bra.
Laundry
- I need to wash my bras.
- These bras are hand-wash only.
- Where are my bras?
Fashion Advice
- You should try a strapless bra.
- A push-up bra looks good.
- That bra doesn't fit well.
Conversation Starters
"Do you prefer sports bras or regular bras?"
"How often do you go shopping for new bras?"
"Is it hard to find the right bra size?"
"What is the most comfortable bra you own?"
"Do you think bras are necessary?"
Journal Prompts
Write about your experience shopping for clothes.
Describe the importance of comfort in daily wear.
Discuss how fashion has changed over time.
Write a story about a day spent shopping.
Frequently Asked Questions
8 questionsNo, it is a neutral term for a piece of clothing.
Yes, for medical or personal reasons.
B-R-A.
Bras.
It is neutral; 'brassiere' is formal.
At a clothing store or lingerie shop.
No.
It is short for brassiere.
Test Yourself
She needs to buy a new ___.
Bra is the correct clothing item.
What is a bra?
It is a piece of clothing.
A bra is a verb.
It is a noun.
Word
Meaning
These are types of bras.
Subject + verb + object.
She adjusted her ___ strap.
Bra strap is a common collocation.
Which is the formal word for bra?
Brassiere is the formal term.
The word 'bra' comes from French.
It comes from 'brassière'.
Word
Meaning
Bra is a type of lingerie.
Standard sentence structure.
Score: /10
Summary
The word 'bra' is a simple, neutral term for an essential piece of clothing that everyone should know.
- Bra is a common noun for a support garment.
- It is short for the French word 'brassière'.
- It is a countable, neutral noun.
- It is used in daily life, fashion, and shopping contexts.
Memory Palace
Place a bra in your bedroom closet in your mind.
Native Usage
Use it naturally in clothing contexts.
Cultural Insight
It is a standard fashion item.
Grammar Shortcut
It is just a regular countable noun.
Related Content
This Word in Other Languages
More clothing words
액세서리
A1Accessory, decorative item.
발목양말
A1Ankle socks.
옷매무새
A1Appearance, grooming, how one's clothes are worn.
앞치마
A1Apron.
옷차림새
A1Manner of dressing, appearance.
허리띠
A1Belt, worn around the waist.
벨트
A1A belt; a strip of material worn around the waist.
표백제
A1Bleach.
탈색
A1Discoloration, bleaching.
블라우스
A1Blouse, a loose-fitting upper garment for women.
