Brim
/brɪm/
Brim refers to the edge or rim of a hat or container, or is used figuratively to describe something full to the top.
Examples
- He spoke with eyes brimming with tears.
- Her heart was brim full of hope.
- The room was brim full of laughter and music.
- The glass was filled to the brim with orange juice.
- The warehouse was brimmed with supplies.
Meanings
Derived from the Old English word brym, which meant 'edge' or 'rim'. It has been used since the 14th century to describe the rim of various objects, especially hats.
Examples
- He tipped his hat, touching the brim respectfully.
- She shaded her eyes with the brim of her sunhat.
- The cowboy pulled down the brim to hide his face.
- A feather was pinned to the brims of several hats at the event.
- After the rain, water dripped from the brimmed hat onto the floor.
Extended metaphorically from the original sense of 'edge' to describe the uppermost part of a container. By the 16th century, it was commonly used in phrases like 'brimful'.
Examples
- The glass was filled to the brim with orange juice.
- Wine spilled over the brim during the toast.
- He carefully poured tea without letting it reach the brim.
- The bowl overflowed as soup rose to its brims.
- She wiped the brimmed edge of the cup with a napkin.
Formed from the compound 'brimful', meaning 'full to the brim'. The adverbial use evolved into a metaphorical sense of being filled with emotion or energy.
Examples
- Her heart was brim full of hope.
- The room was brim full of laughter and music.
- He spoke with eyes brimming with tears.
- The warehouse was brimmed with supplies.
- They left the party with spirits brimming high.