A2verb2K

Brush

UK /["/brʌʃ/","/ˈbrʌʃɪz/","/brʌʃt/","/ˈbrʌʃɪŋ/"]/US /["/brʌʃ/","/ˈbrʌʃɪz/","/brʌʃt/","/ˈbrʌʃɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to clean, polish or make something smooth with a brush

In simple words: To clean or make something smooth using a tool with many stiff hair or bristles.

Examples

  • I need to brush my teeth before going to bed.
  • She decided to brush her hair after the shower.
  • He will brush the dust off the old books.
  • The artist used a brush to create beautiful paintings.
  • Make sure to brush your shoes before the party.
  • The child used a brush to paint the fence.
  • A light brush of snow covered the ground in winter.

Usage notes

Use 'brush' in everyday situations, like cleaning teeth or painting. In formal contexts, specify the type of brush used. Avoid using it to imply anything non-literal unless in a creative context.

Grammar pattern

brush + object

Memory hint

Think of brushing a pet's fur to make it shiny and smooth.

Collocations

  • carefully
  • quickly
  • slowly
  • at
  • brush something clean
  • carefully
  • quickly
  • slowly
  • at
  • brush something clean
  • gently
  • lightly
  • softly
  • against
  • by
  • past

Synonyms

  • scrub
  • sweep
  • clean
  • paint
  • smooth

Antonyms

  • ignore
  • neglect
  • mess up

Common mistakes

  • Using 'brush' as a noun instead of a verb, or vice versa.
  • Confused with 'bush' in pronunciation.
  • Incorrectly using 'brush' without an object (e.g., 'I will brush' instead of 'I will brush my hair').