brace up

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Word: Brace Up

Part of Speech: Verb

Basic Definition:

"Brace up" means to make yourself feel stronger or more confident, especially when you are facing a difficult situation. It can also mean to prepare yourself for something challenging.

Usage Instructions:

You can use "brace up" when you want to encourage someone (or yourself) to get ready to face a tough situation or to be more courageous.

Example:

• "She felt nervous about the exam, but she decided to brace up and do her best."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "brace up" can also refer to physically preparing something to make it more stable or secure, much like how you might brace a ship to ensure it doesn't tip over. However, this usage is less common in everyday conversation.

Word Variants:

• Braced (past tense): "He braced himself for the bad news."
• Bracing (present participle): "The bracing wind made her feel awake and alert."

Different Meanings:

1. To Support Physically: In a more literal sense, "brace" can mean to support or strengthen something physically. For example, "They braced the structure to prevent it from collapsing."
2. Emotional Preparation: It can also mean preparing oneself mentally or emotionally for something challenging.

Synonyms:

• Prepare
• Steady
• Strengthen
• Get ready
• Toughen up

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

• Brace oneself: This is a similar expression that means to prepare for something difficult or unpleasant. For example, "Brace yourself for the storm that’s coming!"
• Brace for impact: This phrase is often used in contexts where one needs to prepare for a sudden or shocking event.

Conclusion:

"Brace up" is a versatile phrase that encourages mental preparation and emotional strength.

Academic

Verb

1. make secure underneath
   • undergird the ship

Synonyms

• undergird