brain
gb/bɹˈeɪn/ us/bɹˈeɪn/
A2
English
~ 1800
agy, zseni, valaminek az agya, ész, intelligencia
NOUN
A2
1
agy
A2
Usage pattern:
[someone]'s brain
The human brain is incredibly complex.
Az emberi agy hihetetlenül összetett.
He suffered a brain injury in the accident.
A balesetben agysérülést szenvedett.
Your brain needs rest to function well.
Scientists are studying how the brain processes language.
Learner examples
The brain helps us think.
Az agyunk segít a gondolkodásban.
Her brain works very fast.
Az agya nagyon gyorsan működik.
He hurt his brain in the fall.
My brain feels tired today.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'brain' with 'mind'; 'brain' is the physical organ, while 'mind' is the thinking part or mental processes.
Meaning
Organ controlling thought and body
Collocations
human brain
|brain cells
|brain injury
|brain function
|brain activity
Synonyms
mind (Refers more to mental processes than the physical organ.)
Antonyms
body (Refers to the physical form excluding the head's controlling organ.)
Themes
science
|health
|anatomy
|body
Definition
The part of your body inside your head that helps you think and control what you do.
The organ inside the head that controls thought, memory, emotions, and the body's activities.
NOUN
B1
2
zseni
B2
Usage pattern:
[someone] is a brain at [something]
She's the brains behind the new project.
Ő az új projekt agya.
He's a real brain when it comes to computers.
Igazi zseni, ha számítógépekről van szó.
We need some fresh brains on this problem.
Learner examples
She is a brain in math.
Matekból zseni.
He is the brains of the team.
Ő a csapat agya.
My brother is a real brain.
Common mistake:
Learners may overuse 'brain' instead of 'smart person'; 'brain' in this sense is often used informally or in set phrases.
Meaning
Very intelligent person
Collocations
creative brain
|the brains behind
|a real brain
Synonyms
genius (Stronger and more formal; implies exceptional natural ability.)
Antonyms
fool (Someone lacking good sense or intelligence.)
Themes
people
|intelligence
|education
|core_vocabulary
Definition
A very smart person.
A person who is very intelligent or skilled at something.
NOUN
B1
INFORMAL
3
ész
A2
Usage pattern:
to have the brains to [do something]
Use your brain before you act.
Használd az eszed, mielőtt cselekszel.
He has the brains to run this company.
Megvan hozzá az esze, hogy vezesse ezt a céget.
They don't have enough brains to solve it.
Learner examples
I use my brain to learn English.
Az eszemet használom, amikor angolul tanulok.
She has the brains to win.
Megvan hozzá az esze, hogy nyerjen.
He does not use his brain.
Common mistake:
Some learners confuse plural 'brains' with singular 'brain'; plural is common in idioms about intelligence.
Meaning
Mental ability to think well
Collocations
use your brain
|have brains
|no brains
Synonyms
intelligence (More formal and general; not slangy.)
Antonyms
stupidity (Lack of intelligence or good judgment.)
Themes
intelligence
|daily life
|education
|core_vocabulary
Definition
How well someone can think and decide things.
The ability to think clearly and make good decisions.
Grammar
Dictionary form
brain
IPA
GB/bɹˈeɪn/
US/bɹˈeɪn/
Syllables & stress
brain (1 syllable)
Stress on 1st syllable (brain)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: brain
- Plural: brains
Word family
Forms
brains
noun
Core family
brainy
adjective
brainstorm
verb B2
Related words
Negative and opposite forms
brainless
adjective
Advanced or less common
brainchild
noun
brainwashing
noun C1
Expressions
brainstorm
1/bɹˈeɪnstˌɔɹm/
fixed phrase
Suggest many ideas quickly for problem-solving or creativity
To quickly think of many ideas with others to solve a problem or make something new.
Examples
- Let's brainstorm ideas for the party theme.
- They brainstormed solutions during the meeting.
pick someone's brain
1/pˈɪk sˈʌmwˌʌnz bɹˈeɪn/
idiom
informal
Ask someone for ideas or advice
To talk to someone to get ideas or information from them because they know more about something.
Examples
- Can I pick your brain about this design?
- He picked her brain for tips on starting a business.
rack your brains
1/ɹˈæk jˈʊɹ bɹˈeɪnz/
idiom
informal
Think very hard about something difficult
To try very hard to remember or think of something.
Examples
- I've been racking my brains all day trying to remember her name.
- She racked her brains for a solution to the problem.
scatterbrained
1/skˈætɚbɹˈeɪnd/
fixed phrase
informal
Disorganized and forgetful mind
Not able to remember things or organize ideas well.
Examples
- She's so scatterbrained she forgot her own birthday.
- I'm feeling scatterbrained after working all night.
the brains behind
1/ðə bɹˈeɪnz bɪhˈaɪnd/
idiom
Person who plans and directs something
The person who plans and controls an important project or activity.
Examples
- She was the brains behind the marketing campaign.
- He's the brains behind our new app.