Definition

Adjective: 1. Filled to the very top; so full that the contents are at the point of overflowing. This describes a container or space that cannot hold any more. 2. (Of a person) Full to the point of overflowing with a particular emotion, quality, or characteristic. This describes a person who is experiencing or exhibiting something so intensely it seems ready to spill out.

Usage and Examples

• Describing a full container:
  • She carried a brimming cup of coffee carefully to the table.
  • The brimming bucket sloshed water onto the floor with every step.
• Describing a person full of emotion or quality:
  • He was brimming with confidence before his presentation.
  • Her letter was brimming with affection and good news.
  • The audience was brimming with excitement for the concert.

Advanced Usage and Patterns

• "brimming with": This is the most common construction. It is used to specify what something is full of.
  • The report was brimming with useful data.
  • After their victory, the team was brimming with pride.
• "brimming over": Emphasizes that the fullness is so extreme it is beginning to overflow, either literally or figuratively.
  • Her gratitude was brimming over. (Figurative)
  • The sink was brimming over with dirty dishes. (Literal)

Variants and Related Words

• Brim (verb): To be full to the point of overflowing.
  • Her eyes brimmed with tears.
• Brimful (adjective): Completely full. Often interchangeable with "brimming."
  • a brimful glass of water.
• Overflowing (adjective): Flowing over the brim; extremely full. Suggests a stronger sense of excess than "brimming."

Synonyms

• Full
• Overflowing
• Bursting
• Teeming (often used for crowds or things in large numbers)
• Awash (often used with liquids or feelings)

Antonyms

• Empty
• Devoid
• Lacking

Adjective

1. filled to capacity
   • a brimful cup
   • I am brimful of chowder
   • a child brimming over with curiosity
   • eyes brimming with tears