bracing
/ˈbreɪsɪŋ/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈbreɪsɪŋ/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈbrā-siŋ/ (ame, mw)
bracing — adjective
- bracingpositive
- more bracingcomparative
- most bracingsuperlative
1. Describing air or weather that feels sharply cold, often with some wind, and lea
Describing air or weather that feels sharply cold, often with some wind, and leaves you feeling awake and energized.
A bracing wind swept across the harbor as Reuben stepped off the ferry.
collocation: bracing wind
The morning air was bracing enough to wake everyone before breakfast.
pattern: be bracing
After the warm train ride, the bracing platform air hit Aoi at once.
Even in April, the hilltop felt bracing once the sun disappeared.
- crisp
often milder; focuses on clean, fresh cold rather than the energizing effect
- invigorating
stronger and slightly more formal; stresses the burst of energy
- fresh
broader and simpler; can describe clean air without the sharp cold
文法句型
bracing + weather/air/wind/breeze
the weather/air feels bracing
用法筆記
Usually said of weather or open air rather than people or objects. The idea is not only that something is cold, but that the cold gives you a sudden feeling of alertness.
常見錯誤
2. Describing an outdoor activity that makes you feel fresher and more energetic be
Describing an outdoor activity that makes you feel fresher and more energetic because it happens in cold, lively air.
They took a bracing walk along the cliff path before lunch.
collocation: bracing walk
Ishaan ended the week with a bracing swim in the cold lake.
collocation: bracing swim
The class began with a bracing run around the frosty school field.
For Omar, a bracing bike ride home cleared away the office stress.
- invigorating
close in meaning but slightly more formal and forceful
- energizing
broader; can describe anything that gives you energy, not just outdoor activity
- reviving
emphasizes helping you recover from tiredness
- draining
takes energy away instead of restoring it
- exhausting
a stronger opposite that leaves you worn out
文法句型
bracing + walk/swim/run/ride
the walk/swim was bracing
用法筆記
Most often used for walks, swims, runs, or rides in cold open air. Distinguish from Sense 1: Sense 1 describes the weather itself, while Sense 2 describes the activity done in it.
常見錯誤
3. Causing a forceful mental or emotional reaction, often because it is very direct
Causing a forceful mental or emotional reaction, often because it is very direct, vivid, or intense.
Lucía's bracing honesty ended the argument and made the whole room quiet.
collocation: bracing honesty
The documentary gives a bracing look at life after the factory closed.
pattern: bracing look at
The play ends with a bracing flash of anger from the youngest daughter.
Christopher found the coach's bracing criticism hard to ignore but useful.
- stimulating
broader and less forceful; can be intellectual without a sharp jolt
- invigorating
often overlaps, but it more often suggests renewed energy than emotional impact
- electrifying
much stronger and more dramatic; often for excitement in performance or atmosphere
文法句型
bracing + honesty/criticism/look
find something bracing
用法筆記
Often describes words, art, or moments that jolt you mentally or emotionally. Distinguish from Senses 1 and 2: the effect here comes from impact or directness, not from cold air.