brood
C1Formal/Literary (verb); Standard (noun)
Definition
Meaning
A family of young birds, especially those hatched at the same time and cared for by the same mother. As a verb: to think deeply about something that makes one unhappy or angry.
As a noun, it can refer to any group of young produced at one time, or a large family of children. Figuratively, the verb describes persistent, often gloomy, contemplation.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The verb carries a strong negative, obsessive connotation, unlike neutral synonyms like 'ponder' or 'contemplate'. The noun has a somewhat old-fashioned or rural feel.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No major difference in meaning. The noun 'brood' for a family of children is slightly more common in BrE.
Connotations
Identical in both varieties.
Frequency
Comparable frequency; slightly higher literary/formal register for the verb in both.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[brood] + over/on/about + [something][Subject] + [brood] + [adverbial]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Brood mare (a female horse kept for breeding)”
- “Don't brood over spilt milk.”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Potentially metaphorical: 'The CEO brooded over the quarterly losses.'
Academic
Used in psychology/literature analysis: 'The character's brooding leads to his isolation.'
Everyday
Common for describing worried overthinking: 'He's brooding about the argument.'
Technical
Ornithology/Animal husbandry: 'The hen protected her brood from predators.'
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- The pheasant led her brood across the country lane.
- They have a whole brood of kids.
American English
- A brood of ducklings followed their mother into the pond.
- She comes from a large brood of twelve siblings.
verb
British English
- He would just sit and brood for hours after a setback.
- It's not healthy to brood on things you cannot change.
American English
- She brooded over the criticism all weekend.
- Stop brooding and let's find a solution.
adverb
British English
- He stared broodingly out of the window.
- She sat broodingly silent.
American English
- He looked at the letter broodingly.
- The figure stood broodingly in the corner.
adjective
British English
- He had a dark, brooding presence on stage.
- The brooding cliffs loomed over the sea.
American English
- The artist is known for his brooding self-portraits.
- Brooding clouds gathered before the storm.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The chicken has a brood of yellow chicks.
- Don't be sad, don't brood.
- She was brooding about her exam results.
- A large brood of children lived in the old house.
- His tendency to brood over minor slights damaged his relationships.
- The film's brooding atmosphere was enhanced by the soundtrack.
- Philosophers are not merely brooding; they are systematically analysing premises.
- The novel's protagonist is a brooding figure, haunted by the ghosts of his past decisions.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a BROther mOOdily thinking – BROOD. A hen sits on her eggs, she's in a BROODing mood.
Conceptual Metaphor
THINKING IS INCUBATING (negative thoughts are like eggs one warms and hatches). WORRY IS A BURDEN (to carry a brood of worries).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Do not confuse with 'брат' (brother).
- The verb 'to brood' is more negative than 'размышлять'. Closer to 'зацикливаться', 'дуться', 'копаться в мыслях'.
- The noun 'brood' is not 'грусть' (sadness) but 'выводок'.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'brood' as a positive thinking process. (*I brooded on the happy memories.)
- Confusing 'brood' (verb) with 'breed' (verb).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is 'brood' used most naturally?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a verb, yes, it implies negative, anxious, or resentful thinking. As a noun, it is neutral (a group of young animals).
'Ponder' is neutral/deep thinking. 'Dwell on' is negative and repetitive. 'Brood' is stronger than 'ponder', involves moodiness, and is closer to 'dwell on', but with a more passive, inward focus.
Yes, though most classic for birds, it can be used for the young of other animals (e.g., a brood of vipers) and very commonly for a family of many children.
Yes. 'Broody' describes a hen wanting to sit on eggs, or a person (often a woman) wanting children, or a person in a quietly thoughtful, often gloomy mood.