barrett

IPA/bˈaɹɪt/
KK[bˈærɪt]IPA/bˈærɪt/

barrett — noun

1. Amy Coney Barrett, an American judge and legal scholar who has served as an Asso

1.nounB2
Definition

Amy Coney Barrett, an American judge and legal scholar who has served as an Associate Justice of the Supreme Court of the United States since 2020, when she was appointed by President Donald Trump to fill the seat of the late Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg.

Example

Justice Barrett wrote the majority opinion in a major gun rights case in 2022.

title + surname as formal subject reference

Before joining the Supreme Court in 2020, Barrett taught law at Notre Dame for years.

surname alone after biographical preamble

Common collocations
  • Justice Barrett
  • Barrett's nomination
  • Barrett's confirmation hearing
  • Barrett's opinion on [issue]
  • appoint Barrett
Synonyms

Usage Note

Always capitalised. Typically preceded by 'Justice' when used with the person's official title ('Justice Barrett'), or used alone as a surname ('Barrett') in news and academic contexts. Avoid using 'the Barrett' or an indefinite article.

Common Mistakes

The Barrett wrote a strong dissent in that case.
Justice Barrett wrote a strong dissent in that case.
proper names of people do not take 'the'.
My professor talked about barrett's opinion on health care.
My professor talked about Barrett's opinion on health care.
surnames must be capitalised.

Synonym discussion

Sense: noun/1

These three forms refer to the same person but vary in formality and context. 'Justice Barrett' is the proper official title used in court opinions, formal news reporting, and legal documents — it signals respect for her judicial office. 'Barrett' alone is the standard surname reference used in news articles and academic discussions after the first full-name mention. 'Amy Coney Barrett' is the full legal name, used on first reference in formal writing, during the confirmation process, or when distinguishing her from other Barretts in legal contexts. Choose by register: full name for introduction, 'Justice Barrett' in court or official text, and 'Barrett' in ongoing discussion.

Barrett ↗Justice BarrettAmy Coney Barrett

Etymology

GermanicNorman FrenchEnglish

The surname Barrett comes from several possible origins. Most commonly, it arrived in English and Irish usage through the Norman French name 'Barratt' or 'Berard', which itself came from a Germanic root meaning 'bear-brave' (bern 'bear' + hard 'brave, strong'). Another possible source is the Old French word 'barat', meaning 'trickery' or 'quarrel', which may have been given as a nickname. In Ireland, the name was adopted by Norman families who settled there in the 12th and 13th centuries.