bracket
BRAK-it
/ˈbræk.ɪt/
An L-shaped or decorative support projecting from a wall to hold a shelf, beam, or other heavy object; to group together.
In DIY, it is a physical support. In punctuation, it refers to the symbols [ ], and in classification, it refers to a grouped category (e.g., tax bracket).
The story behind the word. Bracket comes from the Old French 'braguette', which originally referred to a codpiece (an ornamental pouch on men's trousers in the 15th and 16th centuries). Because architectural supports resembled the outward-projecting shape of a codpiece, the term was adapted by builders.
Word relationships
- support: Support is a general term for anything that holds weight, while a bracket is specifically an L-shaped or projecting hardware piece.
- brace: A brace is designed to reinforce or stiffen a structure against movement, whereas a bracket primarily holds up a load.
Commonly confused with
- corbel: A corbel is a structural piece of stone or wood jutting from a wall to carry weight, often integrated into the masonry, while a bracket is typically a separate hardware piece.
Word family
- bracketed (adjective/verb): supported by brackets or grouped together
- bracketing (noun): the act of grouping or supporting
Collocations
- shelf bracket
- mounting bracket
- support bracket
- bracket together
Example sentences
- "We mounted the heavy wooden shelf using two sturdy steel brackets screwed directly into the wall studs." Home improvement
- "Moving into a higher income bracket meant that they had to pay a slightly larger percentage of taxes." Financial planning
Memory hook
Think of two arms 'bracing' a shelf against a wall, forming an L-shape like a bracket. Brackets brace the shelf in place.
When not to use
Do not use bracket to describe a simple nail or screw; it must be a structural support frame or a grouping mechanism.
Fun facts
- The punctuation marks we call 'brackets' [ ] were named after the architectural support because they resemble the angular profile of a wall bracket.
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