Brim vs. Rim — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on March 26, 2024
Brim refers to the upper edge of anything hollow, often implying overflow; rim denotes the edge or border, typically of a more solid object.
Difference Between Brim and Rim
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Brim often suggests a point of overflowing or being filled to the top, as seen with cups or hats, where the content reaches or exceeds the upper edge. Whereas, rim emphasizes the boundary or edge itself, focusing more on the structural limit than on the concept of fullness.
The brim is frequently used in a more figurative or poetic sense, suggesting abundance or fullness, such as "brimming with joy." On the other hand, rim tends to be used in more technical or descriptive contexts, highlighting the physical bounds of objects.
In terms of usage, brim is more likely to be associated with objects that can contain something, like a cup or a bowl. Whereas, rim can be applied to a wider range of objects, including those that are not containers, such as the rim of a basketball hoop or the rim of a volcano.
While the brim can sometimes act as a boundary, its focus is often on the point where content meets its maximum capacity. Conversely, the rim acts as a defining line or edge that marks the outermost boundary of an object, regardless of its content or capacity.
Brim and rim, while both denoting edges, differ in their connotations and typical contexts of use. The brim leans towards a sense of fullness and overflow, the rim is neutral, marking the edge or boundary without implying a state of being filled.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Upper edge of something hollow
Edge or boundary of an object
Connotation
Implies overflow or fullness
Neutral, focusing on structure
Typical Usage
Containers (cups, bowls)
Wide range of objects
Figurative Usage
Abundance, being filled to the top
Less common, more technical
Relationship to Content
Focus on the point of maximum capacity
Focus on structural boundary
Compare with Definitions
Brim
The upper edge of anything hollow.
She filled the glass to the brim with water.
Rim
The upper edge of a vessel or container, not implying fullness.
He gripped the cup by its rim.
Brim
Overflowing or full capacity.
The river was brimming after the heavy rain.
Rim
A boundary or edge.
They walked around the rim of the crater.
Brim
The edge around the top of a hat.
He adjusted the brim of his hat against the sun.
Rim
A framework that supports something.
The rim of the glasses was made of titanium.
Brim
To fill or be full.
The room brimmed with laughter and music.
Rim
The edge of a wheel, where the tire is mounted.
The car's rim gleamed under the streetlights.
Brim
To be full to the point of overflowing.
His eyes brimmed with tears of joy.
Rim
The outer edge of a circular object.
The basketball swooshed through the rim.
Brim
The uppermost edge of a hollow container or natural basin.
Rim
The upper or outer edge of an object, especially when curved or circular.
Brim
A projecting rim or edge, especially around the bottom of a hat.
Rim
The upper edge of a steep slope; a cliff or brink
The rim of a canyon.
Brim
Full capacity
"No sooner had the fighting started than the hotel filled to the brim with a most extraordinary collection of people" (George Orwell).
Rim
The circular outer part of a wheel, furthest from the axle.
Brim
To be full to the brim, often to overflowing
The cup is brimming with chowder.
Rim
A circular metal structure around which a wheel tire is fitted.
Brim
To be abundantly filled or supplied
A monument brimming with tourists.
Workers brimming with pride.
Rim
To furnish with a rim.
Brim
To fill to the brim.
Rim
(Sports) To roll around the rim of (a basket or golf cup, for example) without falling in.
Brim
(obsolete) The sea; ocean; water; flood.
Rim
Vulgar Slang To perform anilingus on.
Brim
An edge or border (originally specifically of the sea or a body of water).
Rim
An edge around something, especially when circular.
Brim
The topmost rim or lip of a container.
The toy box was filled to the brim with stuffed animals.
Rim
A wheelrim.
Brim
A projecting rim, especially of a hat.
He turned the back of his brim up stylishly.
Rim
(journalism) A semicircular copydesk.
Brim
(intransitive) To be full to overflowing.
The room brimmed with people.
Rim
A membrane.
Brim
(transitive) To fill to the brim, upper edge, or top.
Rim
The membrane enclosing the intestines; the peritoneum, hence loosely, the intestines; the lower part of the abdomen; belly.
Brim
Of pigs: to be in heat, to rut.
Rim
(transitive) To form a rim on.
Brim
(obsolete) Fierce; sharp; cold.
Rim
(transitive) To follow the contours, possibly creating a circuit.
Palm trees rim the beach.
A walking path rims the island.
Brim
The rim, border, or upper edge of a cup, dish, or any hollow vessel used for holding anything.
Saw I that insect on this goblet's brimI would remove it with an anxious pity.
Rim
To roll around a rim.
The golf ball rimmed the cup.
The basketball rimmed in and out.
Brim
The edge or margin, as of a fountain, or of the water contained in it; the brink; border.
The feet of the priests that bare the ark were dipped in the brim of the water.
Rim
The border, edge, or margin of a thing, usually of something circular or curving; as, the rim of a kettle or basin.
Brim
The rim of a hat.
Rim
The lower part of the abdomen.
Brim
To be full to the brim.
Rim
To furnish with a rim; to border.
Brim
To fill to the brim, upper edge, or top.
Arrange the board and brim the glass.
Rim
The shape of a raised edge of a more or less circular object
Brim
Fierce; sharp; cold. See Breme.
Rim
(basketball) the hoop from which the net is suspended;
The ball hit the rim and bounced off
Brim
The top edge of a vessel
Rim
The outer part of a wheel to which the tire is attached
Brim
A circular projection that sticks outward from the crown of a hat
Rim
A projection used for strength or for attaching to another object
Brim
Be completely full;
His eyes brimmed with tears
Rim
The top edge of a vessel
Brim
Fill as much as possible;
Brim a cup to good fellowship
Rim
Run around the rim of;
Sugar rimmed the dessert plate
Rim
Furnish with a rim;
Rim a hat
Rim
Roll around the rim of;
The ball rimmed the basket
Common Curiosities
What is a rim?
The outer edge or boundary of an object, often circular.
What is a brim?
The upper edge of something, especially when full or capable of being filled.
Is the brim always associated with fullness?
Often, but not exclusively, as it can simply refer to the upper edge of a hollow object.
Can landscapes have rims?
Yes, natural formations like volcanoes or canyons often have rims.
Can a rim have a functional purpose beyond being an edge?
Yes, such as the rim of a wheel which holds the tire in place.
Is the rim always a solid structure?
Mostly, but it can refer to less solid structures in specific contexts, like the rim of light around a shadow.
Can "brim" and "rim" be used interchangeably?
While they can sometimes refer to similar parts of an object, their connotations and specific uses differ, making them not always interchangeable.
Is the rim only found on circular objects?
Primarily, but it can also refer to the boundary or edge of non-circular objects.
What does it mean to "brim with joy"?
To be so full of joy that it seems to overflow.
How does the context of use differ for brim and rim?
"Brim" is often used in more poetic or figurative contexts, while "rim" is common in technical descriptions.
What does "to the brim" signify in practical terms?
It means filling a container so much that the content reaches the very top edge.
Can the brim be a protective feature?
Yes, as in the brim of a hat shielding from the sun.
How do materials affect the concept of brim vs. rim?
The materials don't necessarily change the basic distinction, but they can affect the object's ability to contain or support.
How do you measure the rim of a glass?
Typically, by its diameter from one edge to the opposite edge.
Can a rim be decorative?
Yes, rims can be decorative, especially on pottery, glasses, and ceremonial objects.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
