brainwave
/ˈbreɪnweɪv/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈbreɪnweɪv/ (ame, ipa)
brainwave — noun
- brainwavesingular
- brainwavesplural
1. a smart idea that comes to you all at once, especially when you are trying to so
a smart idea that comes to you all at once, especially when you are trying to solve a problem
Walid had a brainwave and moved the meeting to the cafe beside the library.
have a brainwave
While the printer jammed again, Sora had a brainwave and checked the paper tray.
The team solved the packing problem after Christopher's brainwave about color labels.
Esme's brainwave saved us hours when she grouped the files by date.
- idea
the broad everyday word, without the sudden or clever feeling
- inspiration
often suggests a more creative or artistic source
- insight
focuses on suddenly understanding something clearly
文法句型
have a brainwave
brainwave about + noun
用法筆記
Usually used with have when an idea suddenly appears in your mind. It often suggests a practical idea that quickly solves a small problem.
常見錯誤
2. one of the weak electrical signals made by the brain while it is working, restin
one of the weak electrical signals made by the brain while it is working, resting, or sleeping
Doctors watched Mateo's brainwaves while he slept in the clinic.
monitor brainwaves during sleep
A loud sound changed the pattern of Ayana's brainwaves on the screen.
The machine recorded weak brainwaves after the patient was given the medicine.
During the test, Devika wore small sensors that tracked her brainwaves for an hour.
- brain activity
broader and less exact, because it can include more than electrical patterns
- neural signal
more technical and often used for one signal rather than the overall pattern
文法句型
monitor brainwaves
record brainwaves
用法筆記
This sense is mainly used in medical or scientific contexts. It often appears in the plural when people talk about patterns shown on a monitor.