Collins COBUILD Advanced Learner’s Dictionary полностью

bri ga|dier ge n|er|al (brigadier generals ) also brigadier-general N‑COUNT ; N‑TITLE In the United States, a brigadier general is a senior officer in the armed forces who is often in charge of a brigade and has a rank above colonel and below major general. □  …Brigadier General Gary Whipple of the Louisiana National Guard.

brig|and /br I gənd/ (brigands ) N‑COUNT A brigand is someone who attacks people and robs them, especially in mountains or forests. [LITERARY ] □  …a notorious brigand who hijacked trains.

bright ◆◆◇ /bra I t/ (brighter , brightest )

1 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A bright colour is strong and noticeable, and not dark. □  …a bright red dress. □  …the bright uniforms of the guards parading at Buckingham Palace. ●  bright|ly ADV □  …a display of brightly coloured flowers. ●  bright|ness N‑UNCOUNT □  You'll be impressed with the brightness and the beauty of the colours.

2 ADJ A bright light, object, or place is shining strongly or is full of light. □  …a bright October day. □  She leaned forward, her eyes bright with excitement. ●  bright|ly ADV [ADV with v] □  …a warm, brightly lit room. □  The sun shone brightly. ●  bright|ness N‑UNCOUNT □ [+ of ] An astronomer can determine the brightness of each star.

3 ADJ [usu v-link ADJ ] If you describe someone as bright , you mean that they are quick at learning things. □  I was convinced that he was brighter than average.

4 ADJ [usu ADJ n] A bright idea is clever and original. □  Ford had the bright idea of paying workers enough to buy cars.

5 ADJ If someone looks or sounds bright , they look or sound cheerful and lively. □  The boy was so bright and animated. □  'May I help you?' said a bright American voice over the telephone. ●  bright|ly ADV [ADV with v] □  He smiled brightly as Ben approached.

6 ADJ If the future is bright , it is likely to be pleasant or successful. □  Both had successful careers and the future looked bright. □  There are much brighter prospects for a comprehensive settlement than before.

7 PHRASE If you look on the bright side , you try to be cheerful about a bad situation by thinking of some advantages that could result from it, or thinking that it is not as bad as it could have been.

bright|en /bra I t ^ə n/ (brightens , brightening , brightened )

1 VERB If someone brightens or their face brightens , they suddenly look happier. □ [V ] Seeing him, she seemed to brighten a little. ● PHRASAL VERB Brighten up means the same as brighten . □ [V P ] He brightened up a bit.

2 VERB If your eyes brighten , you suddenly look interested or excited. □ [V ] His eyes brightened and he laughed. □ [V + with ] Her tearful eyes brightened with interest.

3 VERB If someone or something brightens a place, they make it more colourful and attractive. □ [V n] Tubs planted with wallflowers brightened the area outside the door. ● PHRASAL VERB Brighten up means the same as brighten . □ [V P n] David spotted the pink silk lampshade in a shop and thought it would brighten up the room. [Also V n P ]