Bare
Definitions and Meaning in English
- Lacking covering or clothing; exposed.
- Without addition or embellishment; simple.
- Not covered or concealed; open to view.
- Minimal or basic in quantity, appearance, or content.
- Empty or unadorned; plain.
History and Origin
The word bare comes from the Old English bær, meaning “naked” or “uncovered.” This term has Germanic roots, with related words in Old High German (bar) and Old Norse (ber), both meaning “bare” or “naked.” Over time, the meaning expanded to include simplicity, exposure, and minimalism, extending beyond physical appearances to describe situations, amounts, or qualities that are stripped down to the essential.
Detailed Explanation
Bare generally refers to something that is exposed, uncovered, or lacking in decoration or excess. It can describe anything from physical states, like a “bare room” or “bare skin,” to more abstract concepts, like a “bare minimum” or “bare facts.” In physical contexts, it typically implies a lack of clothing or covering, while in other contexts, it suggests simplicity or minimalism. The word can convey the idea of something being stark, unadorned, or reduced to its essential form, often highlighting a contrast with something more complex, luxurious, or covered.
Example Sentences
- The bare walls of the room made it feel cold and empty.
- He walked on the bare ground without shoes.
- She had only the bare essentials in her suitcase.
- The bare truth is that we need more time to complete the project.
- The bare branches of the tree swayed in the winter wind.
- The bare minimum required to pass the test was 60%.
- The mountain peak was bare, with no vegetation or snow.
- She wore a bare amount of makeup, looking very natural.
- The bare facts of the case were presented without any emotional appeal.
Synonyms with Short Explanation
- Naked – Lacking any covering, particularly in a physical sense.
- Unadorned – Simple and without decoration or embellishment.
- Exposed – Open to view, often without any protection or covering.
- Empty – Lacking contents, similar to a “bare” room or space.
- Plain – Simple in design, without adornment or decoration.
Related Words with Short Explanation
- Minimal – Referring to something that is kept to the least or simplest form, often similar to bare in meaning.
- Essential – Something that is fundamental or necessary, similar to the idea of being bare in terms of only having what is required.
- Sparse – Describes something that is thinly spread or minimal in amount, often associated with bare landscapes or areas.
- Simplicity – The quality of being plain or straightforward, related to the bare form or style of something.
- Stark – Something that is sharply clear or bare in contrast, often used in reference to landscapes or differences.
More Matches with Short Explanation
- Barefoot – Walking without shoes, directly relating to the state of being bare.
- Barely – Just enough or almost not, suggesting a minimal or near bare amount of something.
- Bare-knuckled – Refers to a type of fighting where participants fight without gloves, emphasizing raw, unprotected action.
- Bare-bones – Refers to something reduced to the most basic or essential elements, similar to bare minimum.
- Bareback – Riding a horse without a saddle or other equipment, implying a bare approach to the activity.
Antonyms
- Covered – Protected or concealed, the opposite of being bare.
- Adorned – Decorated or enhanced with extra details, contrasting with the simplicity of bare.
- Full – Complete, containing all parts or elements, unlike bare, which suggests emptiness or lack.
- Dressed – Wearing clothing or coverings, the opposite of being bare.
- Luxurious – Richly decorated or enhanced, contrasting with the simplicity implied by bare.