French word

brasser

Pronunciation

IPA/bʁase/

Meaning

  • verbstir

Example

Je brasse la vinaigrette dans un bol.

I stir the vinaigrette in a bowl.

Illustration for brasser (stir)

More examples

Ils brassent des idées pendant la réunion.

They brainstorm ideas during the meeting.

Core concept

Arms stirring a vat until its contents are evenly mixed, a scene that extends from cooking and brewing to handling things in bulk.

Common phrases

  • brasser des idées

    brainstorm ideas

Similar words

mélanger: To mix several ingredients together into a single mixture.
remuer: To stir gently with a spoon to shift or turn the contents.
agiter: To shake or rock a container to move what is inside.
battre: To beat rapidly with a whisk so the mixture absorbs air.

Definition in French

Remuer pour mélanger une préparation, surtout un liquide; au sens technique, effectuer le brassage en brasserie; par extension, mélanger ou traiter en grande quantité.

Word origin

Brasser comes from Old French bracier, formed from bras, 'arm', and originally referred to stirring with the arms; its brewing and broader mixing senses developed from that action.

Usage tips

  • 'Brasser de l'air' means to make a show of activity without useful results, not simply to stir air.

Other meanings

  • brewverb

Opposites

Related words

  • brasséstirredadjective
  • brassagemixingnoun

Word lists with this word