brassy

/ˈbrɑːsi/ (bre, ipa) · /ˈbræsi/ (ame, ipa) · /ˈbra-sē/ (ame, mw)

brassy — adjective

  • brassypositive
  • brassiercomparative
  • brassiestsuperlative

1. having a loud, hard sound that is unpleasant to hear, often like a trumpet or ot

1.形容詞C1
釋義

having a loud, hard sound that is unpleasant to hear, often like a trumpet or other brass instrument

例句

The radio host's brassy laugh filled the tiny studio.

collocation: brassy laugh / voice

A brassy alarm woke everyone in the hotel at dawn.

同義詞
  • harsh

    a general word for unpleasant sound, without the bright metallic quality

  • strident

    stronger and more formal, often for arguments or public speech

  • shrill

    usually points to a very high pitch rather than a trumpet-like sound

反義詞
  • soft

    quiet and gentle to hear

  • mellow

    warm, smooth, and pleasant in tone

文法句型

brassy + voice/laugh/alarm

用法筆記

Often used for voices, laughs, music, and alarms. Unlike metallic, this sense usually suggests that the sound is unpleasant, not simply bright.

常見錯誤

❌The bell had a brass sound.
✅The bell had a brassy sound.
💡brass is usually the metal or material; brassy describes the quality of the sound.
❌Her voice was very loudly and brassy.
✅Her voice was very loud and brassy.
💡use loud as the adjective before and.

2. showing no shame and speaking or acting too directly, without caring enough abou

2.形容詞C1
釋義

showing no shame and speaking or acting too directly, without caring enough about what other people feel or think

例句

Yasmin made a brassy joke about the judge's expensive watch.

collocation: brassy joke / remark

The reporter asked a brassy question that made the mayor pause.

同義詞
  • brazen

    stronger, with more emphasis on open shamelessness

  • impudent

    more formal, focusing on disrespect toward authority

  • pushy

    focuses on forcing your wishes on others, not on loud tone

反義詞
  • tactful

    careful not to upset or embarrass other people

  • polite

    showing respect and good manners

文法句型

sound brassy

brassy + remark/question/manner

用法筆記

Often used for remarks, questions, voices, or someone's manner. Unlike sense 3, the criticism here is rude boldness rather than bad taste in appearance.

常見錯誤

❌She was brassy to the teacher.
✅She was brassy with the teacher.
💡with is the more natural preposition for a person's manner.
❌He is brave and brassy' (when you mean a positive kind of confidence).
✅He is brave and confident.
💡brassy is usually critical, not approving.

3. too bright, loud, or eager for attention, so it seems cheap and without good sty

3.形容詞C1
釋義

too bright, loud, or eager for attention, so it seems cheap and without good style

例句

Alessia arrived in a brassy gold jacket and huge earrings.

collocation: brassy jacket / outfit

The cafe's brassy decorations clashed with its quiet street.

同義詞
  • gaudy

    stronger, especially for bright decoration with bad taste

  • flashy

    can be less negative and focuses on trying to attract notice

  • tasteless

    broader and does not always suggest bright color or noise

反義詞

文法句型

look brassy

brassy + clothes/makeup/decorations

用法筆記

Usually used for clothes, makeup, rooms, or behaviour that tries too hard to impress. Unlike sense 2, the problem is lack of style, not shameless boldness.

常見錯誤

❌The room was very bright and brassy' (for simple strong color only).
✅The room looked brassy.
💡this sense adds bad taste, not just brightness.
❌Her dress was shiny, so it was brassy.
✅Her dress looked brassy because it was shiny and showy.
💡brassy suggests flashy taste, not any shine at all.

4. yellow and shiny like brass, often in a way that looks too bright or unnatural

4.形容詞C1
釋義

yellow and shiny like brass, often in a way that looks too bright or unnatural

例句

After one cheap dye job, Ingrid's hair turned brassy orange.

pattern: turn brassy

The old lamp gave off a brassy glow in the corner.

同義詞
  • golden

    warmer and usually more positive, without the idea of being too bright

  • yellowish

    weaker and more general, without the shiny metallic feel

  • metallic

    focuses on shine or texture, not specifically on yellow color

反義詞
  • muted

    soft and not bright in color or shine

  • dull

    lacking shine or brightness

文法句型

turn brassy

look brassy

用法筆記

Common with hair, light, metal, and surfaces. In hair care, it often means an unwanted yellow or orange tone after dyeing or bleaching.

常見錯誤

❌The coin was brassy because it was made of brass.
✅The coin was brassy because it looked bright yellow like brass.
💡this sense is about appearance, not material alone.
❌Her hair was brass.
✅Her hair looked brassy.
💡brass is the metal; brassy describes the color effect.