Brown

Definition

Brown is primarily an adjective and a noun. As an adjective, it describes a color resembling that of earth or wood, a warm, dark hue that results from mixing red, yellow, and black. As a noun, it refers to the color brown itself. As a verb, it means to make or become brown, often by exposure to heat, as in cooking.

Parts of Speech

• Adjective
• Noun
• Verb

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /braʊn/
• Respelling: brawn

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /braʊn/
• Respelling: brawn

Etymology

The word "brown" originates from the Old English term "brūn," which described a dark or dusky color. This term has Proto-Germanic roots, with similar words appearing in Old Norse "brūn" and Old High German "brūn." The term has long referred to the color resembling earth or bark, carrying this meaning into modern English.

Derivatives

• Browning (verb)
• Brownish (adjective)
• Browned (verb/adjective)
• Brownness (noun)
• Brownie (noun, also refers to a dessert)

Synonyms

• Earthy
• Tan
• Chestnut

Antonyms

• White
• Black
• Yellow

Usage

The term "brown" is frequently used to describe a color or hue in various contexts, including art, design, and natural descriptions. For example, "Her eyes were a warm shade of brown," or "The chef browned the meat in the pan."

Related Terms

• Tan: A pale shade of brown, often associated with skin tones.
• Beige: A light, soft brown color.
• Earthy: Describes tones that resemble soil or natural landscapes, often including shades of brown.

Detailed Definitions

Adjective

• Of a dark color resembling earth or wood: Used to describe a color commonly seen in natural settings, such as soil or bark.
  • Example: "She wore a brown coat on the chilly day."

Noun

• The color brown: Refers to the hue itself, often associated with natural materials and warmth.
  • Example: "The room was decorated in shades of brown and green."

Verb

• To make or become brown, especially through cooking: Commonly used in culinary contexts to describe food that turns brown when heated.
  • Example: "The chef browned the onions before adding the other ingredients."