brunt
/brʌnt/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Noun: - The main force, impact, or worst part of something difficult or unpleasant. It refers to the primary burden or the heaviest part of an attack, criticism, or adverse situation.
Usage
The word "brunt" is almost exclusively used in the phrase "to bear the brunt of" or "to take the brunt of". It describes receiving the worst or most intense part of an impact, whether physical or metaphorical.
Examples
- The coastal towns bore the brunt of the hurricane's fury.
- During the economic crisis, middle-class families often take the brunt of the tax increases.
- The goalkeeper took the brunt of the collision with the opposing player.
Advanced Usage
- "to feel the brunt of": To experience the main force or impact of something negative.
- Small businesses felt the brunt of the new regulations.
- "to absorb the brunt of": To take in and withstand the main force.
- The defensive line absorbed the brunt of the enemy's assault.
Variants and Related Words
- Brunt has no direct verb or adjective forms. It is used only as a noun.
- Impact (n): The strong effect or influence of one thing on another. (Less specific than "brunt" and not used in the same fixed phrase.)
- Force (n): Strength or energy as an attribute of physical action. (A more general term.)
Synonyms
- Onslaught: A fierce or destructive attack.
- Full force: The complete strength or intensity of something.
- Weight: The main burden or pressure of something.
Related Phrases
- "to bear the brunt of": This is the standard and most common phrase. It means to suffer the worst part of something harmful or unpleasant.
- The infantry bore the brunt of the enemy's counterattack.
- "to take the brunt of": This is a common variation with the same meaning.
- She took the brunt of the criticism for the team's failure.
Noun
- main force of a blow etc
- bore the brunt of the attack