How Do You Spell BROKEN?

Pronunciation: [bɹˈə͡ʊkən] (IPA)

The spelling of the word "broken" follows the phonetic transcription /ˈbrəʊkən/. The "o" is pronounced with a long "o" sound, while the "e" is silent. The "k" and "en" represent the phonetic stop and nasal sounds, respectively. The silent "e" at the end of the word is commonly used in English to indicate a long vowel sound in the preceding syllable. Therefore, "brok" (with a long "o") plus "en" (with a nasal "n" sound) make up the phonetic makeup of the word "broken".

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Idioms
Similar spelling words
Conjugate verb
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BROKEN Meaning and Definition

  1. Broken is an adjective commonly used to describe something that is damaged, fractured, or not in proper working condition. It refers to a state of disrepair or malfunction caused by physical damage, wear and tear, or a failure of its original functioning.

    When applied to objects, "broken" typically signifies that the item has suffered a break or fracture, resulting in a loss of functionality or usefulness. For example, a broken dish implies that the dish has been cracked or shattered, rendering it unsuitable for its intended purpose. Similarly, a broken appliance refers to a device or machine that is no longer able to perform its designated tasks due to internal damage or faults.

    Furthermore, the term can extend beyond physical objects and be used to describe abstract concepts. For example, a broken promise refers to a commitment that has been unfulfilled or neglected, leading to a loss of trust or disappointment. Moreover, broken can describe a state of emotional or psychological distress, often associated with feelings of sadness, despair, or shattered hopes.

    Overall, "broken" signifies a state of damage or malfunction, whether pertaining to physical objects, commitments, or emotional well-being. It is commonly used to imply that something is no longer in proper working order, has been fractured, or has experienced a loss of integrity.

  2. Rent asunder; rugged; uneven; infirm.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for BROKEN *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for BROKEN

Etymology of BROKEN

The word "broken" originates from the Middle English word "brouken", which is derived from the Old English verb "brecan". In turn, "brecan" comes from the Proto-Germanic root *brekaną. The Old English word "brouken" initially meant "to damage" or "to bruise", but over time its meaning evolved to include "smash" or "shatter". Ultimately, this led to the modern meaning of "broken", as applied to objects or things that are no longer in one piece or no longer functioning correctly.

Idioms with the word BROKEN

  • rules are made to be broken The idiom "rules are made to be broken" means that rules are not absolute and can and sometimes should be disregarded or overlooked in certain situations or circumstances. It implies that some rules may be too rigid or not applicable in every situation, and that sometimes it is necessary or advantageous to go against established guidelines or norms.
  • broken reed The idiom "broken reed" refers to a person who is unreliable, weak or unable to provide support or assistance. It describes someone who may seem promising but ultimately proves to be untrustworthy or incapable of fulfilling their perceived role or responsibilities.
  • die of a broken heart The idiom "die of a broken heart" refers to an extreme emotional state where someone experiences such overwhelming grief, sadness, or loss that it negatively affects their physical health, potentially leading to severe illness or even death. It is often used figuratively to describe the profound impact of emotional trauma on an individual, emphasizing the intensity of their emotional pain.
  • broken dreams The idiom "broken dreams" typically refers to aspirations or hopes that were not fulfilled or that ended in disappointment or failure. It suggests that one's desired outcome or future plans have been shattered or rendered unachievable.
  • a broken reed The idiom "a broken reed" refers to a person or thing that is unreliable, weak, or unable to provide support or assistance, often when it is needed the most.
  • broken record The idiom "broken record" refers to someone who constantly repeats the same thing or message, often to the point of annoyance or frustration. It implies that the person's words or arguments are repetitive, lacking originality, and incapable of offering any new insights or perspectives.
  • broken-hearted The idiom "broken-hearted" refers to someone who is feeling extreme sadness, grief, or disappointment, typically as a result of a failed relationship or loss.
  • broken vessel The idiom "broken vessel" typically refers to a person who is emotionally or mentally shattered or damaged. It suggests someone who has experienced significant trauma or hardship, leading to a state of vulnerability, fragility, or inability to function as they once did.
  • sound like a broken record The idiom "sound like a broken record" refers to repeating the same thing over and over again, often to the point of annoyance or tedium. It implies that one's speech or statements have become monotonous, repetitive, and lacking in originality.
  • Promises are like piecrust, made to be broken. The idiom "Promises are like piecrust, made to be broken" means that promises are often easily made but just as easily broken or not kept. It reflects the idea that many people make promises without the intention or commitment to fulfill them, similar to the fragility of a piecrust that is easily broken or crumbles.
  • like a broken record The idiom "like a broken record" refers to someone or something repetitively expressing or doing the same thing over and over again, often to the point of being annoying or monotonous.
  • broken wind

Similar spelling words for BROKEN

Conjugate verb Broken

CONDITIONAL

I would broken
you would broken
he/she/it would broken
we would broken
they would broken
I would break
we would break
you would break
he/she/it would break
they would break

CONDITIONAL CONTINUOUS

I would be breaking
you would be breaking
he/she/it would be breaking
we would be breaking
they would be breaking

CONDITIONAL PERFECT

I would have broken
you would have broken
he/she/it would have broken
we would have broken
they would have broken

CONDITIONAL PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I would have been breaking
you would have been breaking
he/she/it would have been breaking
we would have been breaking
they would have been breaking

FUTURE

I will break
you will break
he/she/it will break
we will break
they will break

FUTURE CONTINUOUS

I will be breaking
you will be breaking
he/she/it will be breaking
we will be breaking
they will be breaking

FUTURE PERFECT

I will have broken
you will have broken
he/she/it will have broken
we will have broken
they will have broken

FUTURE PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I will have been breaking
you will have been breaking
he/she/it will have been breaking
we will have been breaking
they will have been breaking

IMPERATIVE

you break
we let´s break

NONFINITE VERB FORMS

to break

PAST

I broke
you broke
he/she/it broke
we broke
they broke

PAST CONTINUOUS

I was breaking
you were breaking
he/she/it was breaking
we were breaking
they were breaking

PAST PARTICIPLE

broken

PAST PERFECT

I had broken
you had broken
he/she/it had broken
we had broken
they had broken

PAST PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I had been breaking
you had been breaking
he/she/it had been breaking
we had been breaking
they had been breaking

PRESENT

I break
you break
he/she/it breaks
we break
they break

PRESENT CONTINUOUS

I am breaking
you are breaking
he/she/it is breaking
we are breaking
they are breaking

PRESENT PARTICIPLE

breaking

PRESENT PERFECT

I have broken
you have broken
he/she/it has broken
we have broken
they have broken

PRESENT PERFECT CONTINUOUS

I have been breaking
you have been breaking
he/she/it has been breaking
we have been breaking
they have been breaking

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Correct spelling for broken
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