bruise - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
bruise Word Meanings
- an injury causing discoloration of the skin
- to injure someone or something by impact
- to damage softly or harm subtly
bruise Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
bruise Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/bruːz/
US
/bruːz/
bruise Word Etymology
bruise = brūsan (to break) + -ize (verb-forming suffix). Historical origin: Old English → Middle English → Modern English. Memory image: Picture a person bumping into furniture, leaving dark marks on their skin, like splashes on a canvas.
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
Bruise is both a noun and a verb. As a noun, a bruise is an injury that causes discoloration under the skin because small blood vessels have been damaged. As a verb, to bruise means to injure someone or something by impact, often producing tenderness, swelling, or a dark mark under the skin. It can also describe damaging something softly or subtly, such as bruising the fruit's skin after a bump. A memorable image is a person bumping a knee on furniture and seeing a bruise form. The word comes from Old English brūsan (to break) with the -ize suffix to make it a verb. In everyday usage, don't confuse bruise with cut or scrape.
Usage Reminders
- Remember: use bruise for skin discoloration from impact; use injury or wound for a deeper cut; colors change over time (purple/blue to green/yellow); use bruise for both people and objects with a soft impact; fruits can bruise too; say 'get a bruise' rather than 'be bruised' in some contexts.
Common Misconceptions
- A bruise is always a cut or open wound.
- All bruises look the same color.
- Only people can bruise; objects cannot.
- Bruises cannot happen to fruits.
- To bruise something is the same as to damage it severely.
Thinking Differences
Explain bruise as a body-injury idea that emphasizes color change and healing over days, not a cut; learners often conflate with 'bruise' vs 'damage' to objects.
Learning Tips
- Practice noun and verb forms in pairs (e. g., 'I have a bruise' vs 'to bruise someone').
- Associate color changes with healing stages (purple, green, yellow).
- Use bruise with people and objects (e. g., 'blue bruise on the skin' vs 'bruise the fruit').
- Differentiate bruise from cut or wound in medical contexts.
- Carry a small mental image of the dark spot icon when you hear the word.
- Review common collocations like 'get a bruise', 'bruise easily'.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'bruise' correctly?
A.I have a bruise on my arm from the fall.
B.He planted a bruise in the garden.
C.She sang a bruise at the concert.
D.The book tells a bruise about friendship.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to 'bruise'?
A.swelling
B.scratch
C.infection
D.cut
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of 'bruise'?
A.hurt
B.damage
C.heal
D.wound
Step 5: Mastery
Can you give an example of a real-life scenario involving a 'bruise'?
A.The cat chased the ball around the yard.
B.Michael won a chess tournament.
C.Janet fell while hiking and got a bruise on her knee.
D.The chef prepared a delicious meal for the guests.
Related Listening
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