A2noun1K

Brain

UK /["/breɪn/"]/US /["/breɪn/"]/

Definition

the organ inside the head that controls movement, thought, memory and feeling

In simple words: The part of your body that helps you think and feel.

Examples

  • The brain controls all the functions of the body.
  • She is using her brain to solve the puzzle.
  • Reading books helps to keep your brain active.
  • He felt a sharp pain in his brain after the fall.
  • Your brain is like a computer that processes information.
  • People often say that exercise is good for the brain.

Usage notes

Use ‘brain’ when referring to the organ itself or to describe someone's intelligence. It is not appropriate to use in a casual or informal setting as a synonym for 'head'.

Grammar pattern

standalone noun

Memory hint

Think of a 'brain' as a 'train' for thoughts, transporting your ideas.

Collocations

  • human
  • left
  • right
  • cell
  • tissue
  • region
  • in the/​your brain
  • on the/​your brain
  • blow your brains out
  • fertile
  • fine
  • good
  • rack
  • pick somebody’s
  • take
  • function
  • tick over
  • work
  • power
  • drain
  • brain behind
  • brains, not brawn
  • etc.
  • have a brain for something
  • fertile
  • fine
  • good
  • rack
  • pick somebody’s
  • take
  • function
  • tick over
  • work
  • power
  • drain
  • brain behind
  • brains, not brawn
  • etc.
  • have a brain for something

Synonyms

  • mind
  • intellect
  • thinking organ
  • cerebrum

Antonyms

  • ignorance
  • stupidity

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'mind'; 'brain' refers to the physical organ, while 'mind' refers to thoughts and consciousness.
  • Using 'brain' in a plural form; it is usually singular in the context of referring to the organ.