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Bricoleur - Meaning, Definition & English Examples

A bricoleur is someone who skillfully uses whatever materials or resources are available to create or solve problems, often in an inventive or improvised way. This term highlights adaptability and resourcefulness.

bricoleur

/ˌbriːkəˈlɜːr/ /ˈbriːkɒlɜː/

Definition:

A person who skillfully uses whatever materials are at hand to create or repair things.

Synonyms:

handyman, tinkerer, improviser, jack-of-all-trades

Part of Speech:

noun

Antonyms:

specialist, perfectionist

Common Collocations:

creative bricoleur, skilled bricoleur, resourceful bricoleur

Derivatives:

bricolage, bricoleurs

Usage Tips:

Use "bricoleur" to describe someone who improvises solutions with available resources, often in art or repair work.

Common Phrases:

master bricoleur, urban bricoleur, DIY bricoleur

Etymology:

From French "bricoler" (to tinker), derived from "bricole" (trifle), ultimately from Italian "briccola" (catapult).

Examples:

  • 1. The bricoleur fixed the shelf with spare wood and glue.
  • 2. She’s a talented bricoleur who turns junk into art.
  • 3. His reputation as a bricoleur grew after he repaired the car himself.
  • 4. A good bricoleur can solve problems without fancy tools.

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