bring about: Idiom Meaning and Origin

The idiom "bring about" is a commonly used expression in the English language. It is a phrasal verb that means to cause or make something happen. It can also be used to describe the act of introducing or initiating something new, as well as indicating the completion or achievement of a particular outcome or objective.

One of the primary meanings of "bring about" is to make something happen. It implies that a specific action or event leads to a particular outcome or result. For example, someone might say, "The new policy brought about significant changes in the company's operations." This means that the implementation of the policy resulted in significant changes.

Another usage of this idiom is to describe the act of introducing or initiating something new. It suggests the action of bringing something into existence or causing it to start. An example sentence could be, "The invention of the internet brought about a revolution in communication." In this example, the creation of the internet initiated a significant transformation in how people communicate.

Additionally, the idiom "bring about" can be used to indicate the completion or achievement of a particular outcome or objective. It implies that something has been accomplished or realized. For instance, one might say, "Her hard work and dedication brought about her success." This means that her efforts led to the attainment of success.

The etymology of the idiom "bring about" is closely related to the individual meanings of the words "bring" and "about." The word "bring" originated from the Old English word "bringan," meaning "to carry" or "to bring." On the other hand, "about" developed from the Middle English word "abuten," which conveys the idea of movement or direction.

When combined, the phrase "bring about" creates an idiomatic expression that encompasses the notion of causality, initiation, and accomplishment. Through its various uses and meanings, it provides a flexible and versatile tool for expression.

The idiom "bring on" is closely related to "bring about." It is often used to indicate the act of causing something to happen or occur. For example, one might say, "The storm brought on heavy rainfall." This means that the storm caused the heavy rainfall to occur.

Similarly, the idiom "come into being" is related to "bring about." It refers to the act of something coming into existence or being created. For instance, one might say, "The new political party came into being after years of planning." This means that the new political party was created or established after years of planning.

Another related idiom is "make happen," which also conveys the action of causing something to occur or come into existence. For example, one might say, "Her leadership skills made the project happen." This means that her leadership skills were instrumental in causing the project to occur or be realized.

The idiom "bring together" is closely related to "bring about" as well. It suggests the act of bringing people or things together. For instance, one might say, "The conference brought together experts from various fields." This means that the conference facilitated the gathering of experts from different fields.

While the facts presented shed light on the basic understanding of "bring about," there remain endless possibilities for exploration and analysis. The idiom's vast usage in everyday language and its presence across different contexts reveals the depth and complexity that this seemingly simple expression holds.