brigade - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
brigade Word Meanings
- a group of soldiers.
- an organized group working towards a common goal.
- a team or unit that works together.
brigade Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
brigade Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/brɪˈɡeɪd/
US
/brɪˈɡeɪd/
brigade Word Etymology
briga = fight/strife + -ade (indicating a group) -> a group organized for a common purpose, originally military. Imagine soldiers standing shoulder to shoulder, ready to march into battle as one unit.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
brigade is a mid-sized military unit, usually made up of several battalions and commanded by a brigadier or major general. In everyday use, brigade also refers to an organized group working toward a shared goal, not necessarily military—a committee, a rescue brigade, or a volunteer brigade formed for a community project. The core idea is coordinated teamwork: people standing shoulder to shoulder, following a plan, and sticking to the mission. For learners, note that brigade is formal and pluralizes as brigades; it can function as a collective noun when emphasizing the group rather than a single leader, and its tone is more official than casual.
Usage Reminders
- - Brigade refers to a group, not an individual.
- - In business or charity contexts, it can mean a task-focused team, not just any group.
- - Plural is brigades; do not say 'brigade' for multiple groups.
- - Use with a modifier when nonmilitary (brigade of volunteers, rescue brigade).
- - It sounds formal; avoid casual synonyms unless the context is light.
Common Misconceptions
- It is a person, not a group.
- It always has military meaning.
- brigade and team are interchangeable in casual contexts.
- Brigade cannot be used with non-military modifiers.
- Plural or singular usage is the same in all contexts.
Thinking Differences
For English speakers, brigade often signals formality and has strong military associations; learners may default to 'team' or 'group' in casual speech, or miss the plural form when referring to multiple units.
Learning Tips
- Compare with related terms like unit, team, and division.
- Note when it specifically refers to a formal military group.
- Use with adjectives to specify scope (volunteer brigade, rescue brigade).
- Remember the plural brigades for multiple groups.
- Practice pronunciation: bri-GAYD (stress on the second syllable).
- Look for collocations with prepositions (in a brigade, part of a brigade).
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'brigade'?
A.A cooking utensil
B.A type of bird
C.A musical instrument
D.A group of soldiers
Step 2: Usage
In which sentence is 'brigade' used correctly?
A.She played a beautiful brigade at the concert.
B.The firefighters formed a brigade to put out the fire.
C.I saw a brigade flying in the park.
D.We need a brigade to stir the soup.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is a synonym of 'brigade'?
A.Team
B.Solo
C.Isolate
D.Cluster
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'brigade'?
A.Flock
B.Unity
C.Gathering
D.Division
Step 5: Mastery
In what real-life context would you find a 'brigade'?
A.In a bakery
B.At a zoo
C.During a military operation
D.In a library
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