Is 'broken' only used for physical objects?

No. While its primary use is physical, it is extensively used for abstract concepts: broken promises, broken hearts, broken systems, broken spirits.

What's the difference between 'broke' and 'broken'?

'Broke' is the simple past tense of the verb 'break' ('He broke the window'). As an adjective, 'broke' informally means 'having no money'. 'Broken' is the past participle and the standard adjective for describing the state of being damaged or not working.

Can 'broken' describe language proficiency?

Yes. 'Broken English/French/etc.' describes speech that is halting, non-fluent, and grammatically imperfect, but usually understandable.

Is 'broken home' a politically correct term?

It is a well-established term in sociology, but in sensitive modern contexts, phrases like 'dysfunctional family background' or 'family separation' may be preferred to avoid stigma.

How do you pronounce “brocken”?

Brocken: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrəʊkən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbroʊkən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

brocken: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples

Very High (C1-C2 level word due to frequency and extensive metaphorical use)

UK/ˈbrəʊkən/US/ˈbroʊkən/

Neutral to formal; widely used across all registers, including informal speech, technical writing, and literature.

My Flashcards

Quick answer

What does “brocken” mean?

Something that has been damaged and no longer functions or is in pieces.

Audio

Pronunciation

Definition

Meaning and Definition

Something that has been damaged and no longer functions or is in pieces; also refers to a state of discontinuity, violation, or emotional distress.

Can describe a failed system, a disrupted sequence (e.g., broken line), a person financially ruined, or someone subdued in spirit (broken-hearted). In computing, refers to non-functional software or hardware.

Dialectal Variation

British vs American Usage

Differences

Minimal lexical difference. Potential slight variance in phrasing, e.g., 'broken down' (vehicle) is equally common, but 'busted' (AmE informal) vs. 'knackered' (BrE informal) for non-functional.

Connotations

Similar core connotations. In financial contexts, 'broken' is somewhat formal; 'broke' (adjective) is the dominant informal term for having no money in both varieties.

Frequency

Equally high frequency in both dialects.

Grammar

How to Use “brocken” in a Sentence

have/get something brokenbe broken by something/someonelie brokenleave something broken

Vocabulary

Collocations

strong

broken legbroken armbroken heartbroken promisebroken windowbroken system

medium

broken downbroken intobroken glassbroken homebroken record

weak

badly brokencompletely brokeneasily brokenrecently brokenfinancially broken

Examples

Examples of “brocken” in a Sentence

verb

British English

He had broken his ankle playing football.
The agreement was broken last summer.

American English

She broke the record for most points scored.
His trust was broken after the incident.

adverb

British English

(Rare as pure adverb) The toy lay brokenly on the floor.

American English

(Rare as pure adverb) The data was brokenly transmitted.

adjective

British English

We need to replace the broken latch.
He felt a sense of broken loyalty.

American English

There's a broken taillight on that car.
After the argument, their communication was broken.

Usage

Meaning in Context

Business

Describes failed deals, bankrupt companies, or dysfunctional processes.

Academic

Used in linguistics ('broken language'), sociology ('broken homes'), mathematics ('broken symmetry'), and law ('broken contract').

Everyday

Refers to objects, appointments, relationships, and rules.

Technical

In engineering: 'fatigue failure'; in IT: 'broken link', 'broken code'.

Vocabulary

Synonyms of “brocken”

Strong

smashedrupturedruptureddestroyed

Neutral

damagedshatteredfracturednot working

Weak

crackedchippedfaultyout of order

Vocabulary

Antonyms of “brocken”

intactwholeunbrokenfixedrepairedfunctional working

Watch out

Common Mistakes When Using “brocken”

Using 'broke' as adjective for objects ('My phone is broke' - incorrect; use 'broken'). Confusing 'broken' with 'broke' (no money). Overusing 'broken' where 'damaged' or 'not working' is more precise.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

: No. While its primary use is physical, it is extensively used for abstract concepts: broken promises, broken hearts, broken systems, broken spirits.
: 'Broke' is the simple past tense of the verb 'break' ('He broke the window'). As an adjective, 'broke' informally means 'having no money'. 'Broken' is the past participle and the standard adjective for describing the state of being damaged or not working.
: Yes. 'Broken English/French/etc.' describes speech that is halting, non-fluent, and grammatically imperfect, but usually understandable.
: It is a well-established term in sociology, but in sensitive modern contexts, phrases like 'dysfunctional family background' or 'family separation' may be preferred to avoid stigma.
: Something that has been damaged and no longer functions or is in pieces.
: Brocken is usually neutral to formal; widely used across all registers, including informal speech, technical writing, and literature. in register.
: Brocken: in British English it is pronounced /ˈbrəʊkən/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˈbroʊkən/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.

Phrases

Idioms & Phrases

“broken record”
“born on the wrong side of the blanket”
“stick and stones may break my bones”
“break the bank”

Learning

Memory Aids

Mnemonic

Imagine a BROKEN BROOCH. The 'BROOCH' is 'BROKEN'.

Conceptual Metaphor

STATES ARE LOCATIONS (being in a broken state); FUNCTIONALITY IS STRUCTURAL INTEGRITY; MORALITY/LAW IS A PHYSICAL OBJECT (broken promise/rule).

Practice

Quiz

Fill in the gap

After the storm, we found a branch blocking the path.

Multiple Choice

In which context is 'broken' used most metaphorically?