Bracket vs Rack: What's the Difference?

'Bracket' and 'rack' are two distinct words with different meanings and usages.

Bracket (noun):
- Square brackets ([ ]): Used to enclose a group of related items, such as in mathematics to represent intervals (e.g., '[1, 5]' denotes the closed interval from 1 to 5).
- A support or fixture: Used to hold or secure an object, such as a bookshelf, a wall-mounted shelf, etc.
- Parentheses (()): Used in mathematics, grammar, and other fields to indicate grouping or priority.
- A stage or round in a competition or tournament: For instance, in sports, each round of an elimination tournament is a 'bracket'.
- A tournament table in video games: In video games, 'bracket' refers to the tournament table that displays the progress of matches between competing players or teams.
Rack (noun):
- A shelf or framework: Used for placing or hanging objects, such as a clothes rack, a luggage rack, etc.
- A gear or gear rack: A mechanical device used to transmit power or support objects.
- A carrier: A framework used for transporting goods, such as a bicycle rack, a roof rack, etc.
- A shelf or display stand: Used for displaying merchandise or showcasing items, such as store shelves, exhibition display racks, etc.
- A grilling rack: A framework used for cooking food, such as a grill rack in an oven.

In conclusion, 'bracket' mainly refers to square brackets, supports, parentheses, competition stages, or tournament tables, while 'rack' primarily denotes shelves, gears, carriers, display stands, or grilling racks. There are some differences in their meanings and uses.