Definition

1. Noun:

   • A support projecting from a wall: A small shelf or fixture attached to a wall to hold or support something, like a shelf or a lamp.
   • Either of two punctuation marks ([ or ]): The square-shaped symbols used in writing to enclose extra information, citations, or editorial comments.
   • A category within defined limits: A classification or range, especially one based on a shared characteristic like income, age, or ability.

2. Verb:

   • To classify or group together: To consider people or things as being similar or belonging to the same category.
   • To place within brackets: To enclose words, figures, or symbols with the punctuation marks [ and ].
   • To support with brackets: To attach or reinforce something using a projecting wall support.

Usage Examples

• Noun:

  • The shelf was securely fastened to the wall with a metal bracket.
  • In the sentence, the author's note was placed in square brackets.
  • She falls into the highest tax bracket.

• Verb:

  • Critics often bracket the two novelists together, though their styles are different.
  • Please bracket the optional clause in the contract.
  • We need to bracket these heavy shelves to the studs in the wall.

Advanced Usage

• "to bracket off": To treat something as separate or distinct.

  • Let's bracket off the financial issues and focus on the design first.

• "income/tax bracket": A specific range of income levels used to calculate tax rates.

  • Moving into a higher tax bracket doesn't mean all your income is taxed at the higher rate.

Variants and Related Words

• Bracketing (gerund/noun): The action of placing within brackets or grouping together.

  • The bracketing of these historical events is a topic of debate.

• Bracketed (adjective): Enclosed in brackets or grouped in a category.

  • The bracketed text is for editors only.

Synonyms

• Noun (support): Corbel, console, shelf support.
• Noun (punctuation): Square bracket.
• Noun (category): Band, range, grouping, classification.
• Verb (group): Classify, categorize, group, lump together.
• Verb (enclose): Enclose, parenthesize.

Related Phrases (Phrasal Verbs)

• Bracket together: To group or associate things closely.

  • The study bracketed together all forms of digital communication.

• Bracket with: To associate or compare one person/thing with another.

  • He is often bracketed with the great philosophers of the 20th century.

Related Idioms

• "Age bracket": A specific range of ages.

  • The survey targeted people in the 25-34 age bracket.

• "Price bracket": A range of prices for similar goods or services.

  • This model is in a more affordable price bracket.

bracketNouna support projecting from a wall (as to hold a shelf)either of two punctuation marks ([ or ]) used to enclose textual materialeither of two punctuation marks (`<' or `>') used in computer programming and sometimes used to enclose textual materiala category falling within certain defined limitsVerbclassify or groupplace into bracketsPlease bracket this remarksupport with bracketsbracket bookshelves