bra
bra
Pronunciation
The IPA phonetic spelling for "bra" is /brɑː/.
Here's a breakdown of the sounds by syllable:
bra:
/b/ - voiced bilabial stop
/r/ - voiced alveolar approximant
/ɑː/ - open back unrounded vowel
Word Form Variations
Singular: bra
Plural: bras
Definitions, Synonyms and Antonyms
Noun
A close-fitting undergarment worn by women to support or cover the breasts.
Synonyms: brassiere, bustier, bandeau
Antonyms: (no direct antonyms for this specific garment; one might say "topless" as an antonym for the state of wearing one, but not for the garment itself)
Verb (Informal/Slang)
To wear a bra, often implying the act of putting one on. (Less common as a verb, more an informal usage derived from the noun).
Example: "She decided to bra up for the formal event."
Synonyms: put on a bra, don a bra
Antonyms: unbra, take off a bra
Examples of Use
Books: "She reached into her drawer and pulled out a lacy black bra, matching it with a pair of silk panties." (From Fifty Shades of Grey by E.L. James, April 2011)
Newspapers: "A new study reveals that many women are wearing the wrong bra size, potentially leading to discomfort and poor posture." (From The Guardian)
Online Publications: "How to choose the perfect sports bra for high-impact workouts." (From Women's Health online)
Entertainment Mediums (Film): In Bridget Jones's Diary, Bridget famously struggles with the size of her bra in a comedic scene. (Released April 2001)
Entertainment Platforms (Television Series): In an episode of Sex and the City, Carrie Bradshaw discusses the importance of a good bra with her friends. (Aired September 2003)
Entertainment Platforms (Music Lyrics): "No shirt, no shoes, no bra, no problem." (From the song "No Bra" by Arlo Parks)
General Public Discourse: "I need to go shopping for a new bra; mine are all getting old." (Common conversation among friends)
General Public Discourse (Social Media): "Just finished a run, and my sports bra was a lifesaver!" (Tweet from a fitness enthusiast)
10 Quotes Using Bra
"A woman without a bra is like a day without sunshine." (Attributed to Carrie Bradshaw, Sex and the City)
"The first thing I do when I get home is take off my bra." (Commonly attributed to many women, reflecting a universal sentiment)
"I always say, the best bra is a comfortable bra." (Oprah Winfrey)
"A bra is like a good friend, always there to support you." (Author Unknown)
"Why do women wear a bra? Because men need something to unhook." (Attributed to various comedians)
"Life's too short to wear an uncomfortable bra." (Popular saying)
"My favorite part of the day is taking off my bra." (Common sentiment, often shared informally)
"A good bra can change your life." (Victoria's Secret advertising slogan)
"She looked for the right bra, a fortress against the world's judgments." (Original quote)
"Underneath it all, the bra held its silent promise of shape and support." (Original quote)
Etymology
The word "bra" is actually a shortened, informal version of the word "brassiere."
French Roots: The word "brassiere" comes from French. Originally, in the 17th century, a "brassière" was a type of child's vest or an undershirt, or even an arm guard in earlier times (related to "bras," meaning "arm" in French).
Evolving Meaning: Over time, the French word started being used for a woman's underbodice or a garment that supported the upper body.
English Adoption: In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, as women's fashion moved away from restrictive corsets toward more comfortable and practical undergarments, the term "brassiere" was borrowed into English. Vogue magazine, for example, first used the term "brassiere" in 1907.
The "Bra" Shortening: By the 1930s, people started shortening "brassiere" to "bra" for everyday use. This was part of a general trend in English to make words shorter and more casual. This abbreviation quickly became very popular and is the term we use most commonly today.
Phrases + Idioms Containing Bra
Bra off, comfort on: (Original, conveying relief)
Sports bra strong: (Original, suggesting resilience and support)
Beyond the bra: (Original, implying looking past superficial appearances)
Bra-burning feminist: (A historical, often stereotypical, reference to women's liberation movements, though actual bra burning was rare)
Strapped for support (like a worn-out bra): (Original, using a synonym "strapped" with a "bra" simile for emphasis)
In a brassiere's embrace: (More formal, using the full word, meaning held tightly or supported)
The invisible bra of confidence: (Original, metaphorical for inner support)
Loosen the stays (referencing corsetry, a precursor to the bra): (An idiom using a related garment, meaning to relax or ease restrictions)
A bustier approach: (Using a synonym, implying a more assertive or "upfront" strategy)
Support system (like a good bra): (Original, using the general concept of support with a "bra" simile)
Vocabulary-Based Stories from SEA
Source Information
Definition of bra from The Academic Glossary at Self Exploration Academy, a Urikville Press Publication. © All rights reserved.
