brood - Master This Word
Master this word with our 5-step learning method – Learn English in English
brood Word Meanings
- to think deeply about something in a troubled way
- a group of young birds hatched at the same time
- to sit on or incubate eggs
brood Example Sentences
Example sentences are the start of understanding. Don't rush to memorize. First feel how the word works in a sentence.
brood Phonetic & Pronunciation
UK
/bruːd/
US
/brud/
brood Word Etymology
Root: brood = 'to sit' (Old English). Origin: Old English 'brōod' (young birds) → Middle English → Modern English. Memory Image: Imagine a hen carefully sitting on her eggs, contemplating her future chicks as they slowly come to life beneath her.
Note 1: These definitions and etymologies are not standard dictionary definitions, but extended explanations provided to help with memorization and understanding of the actual application of words. Through this background information, we strive to make words more vivid and easier to understand, and help you remember their meanings in real life.
Note 2: LexiTalk designs the learning flow around the linguistics principle of “Comprehensible Input.” When learners encounter material that is slightly above their level but still understandable from context, the brain naturally absorbs the language. That’s why we keep every word inside authentic contexts, using examples and associations to help you understand it and use it flexibly.
Read the FAQ explanation of Comprehensible InputReal Context
Brood is a flexible English word with three related senses. As a verb, it means to think deeply or worry a lot about something, often with over or about. It can take a direct object or appear with prepositions like over. As a noun, brood names a group of young birds hatched at the same time, or the act of sitting on eggs (brooding). The word’s tone ranges from calm, descriptive wildlife writing to informal expressions of stress or care. Note the noun sense about birds is more technical, while the verb senses commonly appear in everyday talk about problems, decisions, or emotions. Correct usage depends on whether you’re describing incubation, contemplation, or a mood.
Usage Reminders
- Think of brood in two main lanes: worry/think deeply (brood over/about) and birds (brood of chicks) or incubation (brooding). Watch for tense forms: brood, brooded, brooding. Use with over rather than about for the worry sense in many contexts. The bird sense is more technical and often plural. Don’t confuse brood with breed, which is about producing offspring. When describing a mood, choose calm verbs like ponder or mull over if brood feels harsh.
Common Misconceptions
- Brood always means worrying; it can also be neutral thinking.
- The bird sense requires being part of an actual brood, not just a single chick.
- People mix up brood with breed; they are not interchangeable.
- Brood as a verb cannot be used with a direct object in all contexts.
- Brood of chicks is a count noun; don’t treat it as a mass noun.
Thinking Differences
In English, brood often combines negative or anxious nuance with thinking, especially in over/about phrases; other languages may separate worry and deep thinking with distinct verbs, elevating precision but inviting learner mistakes when translating literally.
Learning Tips
- Learn the two core senses first: worry/thoughtful thinking and incubating birds.
- Note the common collocation brood over/about and its nuance.
- Practice past and present participles: brooded, brooding.
- Link brood with related verbs like ponder, mull over, and contemplate.
- Memorize 'brood of chicks' as a fixed phrase for the bird sense.
- Use visuals or clips of hens brooding to fix the idea.
5-Step Learning Method - Learn English in English
Step 1: Meaning
What is the meaning of the word 'brood'?
A.To cook an egg until it's ready to eat
B.To think deeply about something, often in a worried way
C.A group of young animals born to the same mother
D.To sing a song loudly
Step 2: Usage
Which sentence uses the word 'brood' correctly?
A.The athlete was ready to brood the competition.
B.The baker will brood the bread in the oven for an hour.
C.She decided to brood over her choices before making a decision.
D.They were excited to brood at the party.
Step 3: Similar Words
Which word is most similar to the word 'brood'?
A.Ponder
B.Jump
C.Skip
D.Shout
Step 4: Opposite Words
What is the opposite of the word 'brood'?
A.Rejoice
B.Frown
C.Whisper
D.Sleep
Step 5: Mastery
Can you think of a real-life context where someone might brood?
A.She decided to go for a jog to clear her mind.
B.After losing the game, he couldn't stop thinking about his mistakes.
C.They laughed together at a funny movie.
D.He quickly filed his taxes.
Want to practice more words?
Download LexiTalk app for personalized learning experience
Download App