Langimage
English

broken

|bro/ken|

B1

🇺🇸

/ˈbroʊ.kən/

🇬🇧

/ˈbrəʊ.kən/

(break)

financially ruined

Base FormPluralPlural3rd Person Sing.PastPast ParticiplePresent ParticipleNounNoun
breakbreakersbreaksbreaksbrokebrokenbreakingbreaksbreakability
Etymology
Etymology Information

'broken' originates from Old English, specifically the word 'brocen,' where 'broc-' meant 'to break.'

Historical Evolution

'brocen' transformed into the Middle English word 'broken,' and eventually became the modern English word 'broken.'

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'to break into pieces,' and this meaning has largely remained the same in modern usage.

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adjective 1

damaged or in pieces.

The vase is broken.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Adjective 2

not functioning or out of order.

The elevator is broken.

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Antonyms

Adjective 3

having been violated or infringed.

The contract was broken.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:35