Bruxelles
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: 1. The capital and largest city of Belgium: Bruxelles is the primary city and administrative center of the Kingdom of Belgium. 2. Seat of major international institutions: Bruxelles is notably the headquarters for several key international bodies, including the main administrative centers of the European Union and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO).
Usage Examples
- As a proper noun (city):
- We spent a weekend exploring the historic center of Bruxelles.
- Bruxelles is known for its Grand Place, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- As a geopolitical center:
- Many important EU policies are decided in Bruxelles.
- The NATO summit was held in Bruxelles this year.
Advanced Usage
- "Brussels" as the common English spelling: While "Bruxelles" is the French and Dutch name, the anglicized form "Brussels" is predominantly used in English-language contexts.
- The Brussels region is officially bilingual.
- Metonymic use: The city's name is often used metonymically to refer to the institutions headquartered there.
- Brussels issued new regulations today. (Here, "Brussels" refers to the European Commission.)
Variants and Related Words
- Brussels (noun): The standard English name for the city.
- Brussels-Capital Region (noun): The official administrative region containing the city.
- Bruxellois/Brusselaar (noun): A native or inhabitant of Brussels (from French/Dutch).
Synonyms
- Capital of Belgium: The primary synonym describing its national role.
- EU capital: A common descriptive synonym highlighting its European institutional significance.
Related Phrases
- Brussels sprout (noun): A variety of edible bud, named after the city.
- Note: This is a compound noun where "Brussels" acts as a modifier.
- Brussels lace (noun): A type of lace historically produced in the region.
Noun
- the capital and largest city of Belgium; seat of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization