bring
verb (transitive)
UK/brɪŋ/US/brɪŋ/
to take or carry something or someone to a person or place; to cause something to happen or come into existence
Example Sentences
Could you bring me a glass of water, please?
They asked him to bring his passport to the interview.
The new manager aims to bring positive changes to the company.
She always tries to bring joy to her friends' gatherings with her upbeat personality.
Let's see if we can bring this project to a successful conclusion before the deadline.
He insisted on carrying the groceries to bring them inside, saving her a trip from the car.
Modern technology can bring people together even when they are physically far apart, bridging gaps and facilitating real-time communication across continents.
The restaurant staff will bring your food to the table once it's ready.
Thesaurus
Synonyms
Antonyms
How to Use
To convey something from one location or person to another.“Bring” is a commonly used verb that signifies moving an object or concept toward a specified place or person, often associated with the speaker’s current or intended location. In practice, “to bring” typically contrasts with “to take,” which usually implies moving something away from the speaker’s location.Examples:- “Please bring me the book from the living room.”- “He will bring the supplies to the office tomorrow.”Context is key in ensuring clarity. For instance, when you say, “Bring the snacks to the party,” you imply you and/or the party are at or will be at the destination. Conversely, if you were to say, “Take the snacks to the party,” it would emphasize the action of moving them away from your current spot. In more formal usage, “bring” can appear in instructions (“Bring documentation to your appointment”), proposals (“This plan will bring more opportunities to our team”), or even figurative expressions (“Bring hope,” “Bring change”). Attention to whom or where the item is directed helps maintain precise meaning. If you master the difference between “bring” and “take,” you’ll avoid common usage errors. Proper application of “bring” underscores directionality of movement—toward the speaker or toward a specific place that’s central to the discussion.
Alternatives
Some alternatives or related terms to “bring” include:- “Carry”: Often emphasizes the physical act of lifting or transporting an object.- “Deliver”: Implies bringing something with the intention of handing it over, typically used in professional or formal contexts.- “Convey”: A more formal term that can describe moving information or items from one place to another.- “Transport”: Similar to “carry,” but often suggests a longer distance or more formal context, such as shipping goods.Choosing the most fitting synonym depends on nuances in tone and context. For instance, “carry” feels casual and direct, while “deliver” sounds official and purposeful. “Convey” or “transport” can elevate the language, implying broader or more formal circumstances. By understanding these variations, you can more accurately express how, where, and why something is being moved or transferred in both casual chats and polished writing.
Writing
When writing about the concept of “bring,” focus on precision to ensure readers understand who is moving what, and to where. A clear context reduces ambiguities; specify the subject, the object, and the destination. For example, “Bring the documents to the front desk by noon” immediately tells the reader what item (“the documents”), where to bring it (“the front desk”), and by when (“noon”).You can also reinforce your point by adding time frames, methods, or reasons: “Bring the projector to the meeting room to demonstrate our latest marketing plan.” This clarifies both the action and its purpose. If writing instructions or a manual, keep sentences concise and direct, as readers typically seek straightforward guidance. In more narrative writing, “bring” can carry emotional or figurative weight, such as “He brought hope to the entire community.” Adjust your style to fit the purpose, but always maintain clarity about the movement or direction of items, ideas, or intangibles.
Casual Conversation
In everyday conversation, “bring” is used for a variety of scenarios, from inviting someone to join you (“Bring your friend to the party!”) to reminding family members about responsibilities (“Don’t forget to bring the groceries in from the car.”). If you’re giving instructions to a friend or coworker, being polite and clear makes communication smoother. For instance: “Could you bring some extra cups for the barbecue?” is casual, friendly, and direct.People sometimes mix up “bring” and “take.” Generally, use “bring” for something moving toward you or the focal point of conversation, and “take” for moving it away. For example, if you’re hosting, you’d say, “Bring a dish to share,” but if you’re leaving your home, you might say, “I’m going to take this snack to the party.” Keeping these distinctions in mind ensures your speech flows naturally and helps avoid confusion. Overall, clarity and good manners go hand in hand when you ask someone to “bring” something in informal settings.
Etymology
The English verb “bring” traces back to Old English “bringan,” meaning to carry or escort. This root appears in various Germanic languages, reflecting the core idea of moving something closer to a person or place. Over centuries, the word evolved alongside other motion verbs (“bear,” “carry,” “take”), each gaining distinct nuances related to direction, distance, or formality.Historically, “bring” has been crucial in both everyday life and literature, appearing in negotiations, invitations, and narratives. Its simplicity belies its versatility—used to discuss physical objects, abstract concepts (like emotions or results), and even intangible outcomes. The word’s longevity illustrates how essential it is to convey the movement of items or ideas toward a central point, grounding countless daily interactions and literary expressions alike.
