brevet: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Formal, Military, Technical, Historical
Quick answer
What does “brevet” mean?
An official document or warrant granting a privilege, especially a military commission by which an officer is promoted to a higher rank without receiving the pay of that rank.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
An official document or warrant granting a privilege, especially a military commission by which an officer is promoted to a higher rank without receiving the pay of that rank.
Any formal document of authorization, license, or certification, especially one of an official or honorary nature. In some contexts, such as in French usage, a 'brevet' is an official patent, diploma, or professional certification.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
The term is largely historical and primarily associated with 18th-19th century military practice in both the US and UK. It was used in both British and American armies during the Napoleonic Wars and the American Civil War. The concept and terminology are understood in both varieties but are almost exclusively found in historical texts.
Connotations
Connotes honor, merit, and historical military tradition. It implies a distinction that is prestigious but not fully substantive.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in contemporary language. Its use is confined to historical military writing, period fiction, or specific discussions of military history. Slightly more likely to be encountered in American writing about the Civil War.
Grammar
How to Use “brevet” in a Sentence
to brevet [someone] (as) [rank]to be brevetted [rank]to hold a brevet [as/of rank]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brevet” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- He was brevetted lieutenant-colonel for his gallantry at Waterloo.
- The general brevetted several of his most courageous junior officers.
American English
- He was brevetted brigadier general after the Battle of Gettysburg.
- The act allowed the President to brevet officers for meritorious service.
adverb
British English
- Not applicable. 'Brevet' is not used as an adverb.
American English
- Not applicable. 'Brevet' is not used as an adverb.
adjective
British English
- He held the brevet rank of major while serving as a captain.
- The brevet promotion was noted in the Gazette.
American English
- As a brevet colonel, he led the regiment in the final assault.
- His brevet status did not come with increased pay.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Used in historical and military studies, specifically when discussing officer promotions, honors, and military structures of the 18th and 19th centuries.
Everyday
Extremely rare. Would likely be unknown to most general speakers.
Technical
Primary technical use is in military history. In French contexts, 'brevet' is a technical term for a patent or professional exam diploma.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “brevet”
Strong
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “brevet”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brevet”
- Mispronouncing it as /ˈbriː.vət/ or /brevˈeɪ/.
- Using it as a synonym for any promotion.
- Confusing it with 'breviary' (a prayer book).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is very rare and almost exclusively used in historical or specialised military writing.
Yes, in historical contexts. 'To brevet' someone means to promote them by brevet (e.g., 'He was brevetted colonel').
Both are temporary. An 'acting rank' is usually for filling a vacant post and may be revoked easily. A 'brevet rank' is a permanent honorary promotion for merit, but without the full pay of the rank. The brevet officer retains the title even when not filling the higher post.
Yes, in modern French, 'brevet' commonly means a patent, diploma, or certificate (e.g., 'brevet de technicien'). The English military term is borrowed from this French word, which originally meant a 'little letter' or official note.
An official document or warrant granting a privilege, especially a military commission by which an officer is promoted to a higher rank without receiving the pay of that rank.
Brevet is usually formal, military, technical, historical in register.
Brevet: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrɛv.ɪt/, and in American English it is pronounced /brəˈvɛt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “[To be] a brevet [rank] (e.g., 'He was a brevet colonel, but paid as a major.')”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a 'BRIEF VETting' process that results in a 'brevet' document — it's a brief or provisional promotion, vetted for honor but not for full pay.
Conceptual Metaphor
A PROMOTION IS A DOCUMENT; HONOR IS A TITLE WITHOUT FULL SUBSTANCE.
Practice
Quiz
What is the defining characteristic of a brevet promotion in a military context?