brook
C1 (for 'stream' meaning); C2 (for 'tolerate' meaning)Formal/Literary (for 'tolerate' meaning); Neutral/Geographical (for 'stream' meaning)
Definition
Meaning
A small, natural freshwater stream.
To tolerate or allow (used with a negative, chiefly in formal/literary contexts); also used in place names and as a surname.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
As a noun, it is a hyponym of 'stream', specifically suggesting a smaller, often shallow watercourse. As a verb, it is used almost exclusively in negative constructions and conveys a formal, almost archaic sense of putting up with something.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
More common in British place names and formal/literary writing. In American English, 'stream', 'creek', or 'run' are more frequent for the geographical feature, though 'brook' is still understood and used.
Connotations
In both varieties, the noun carries connotations of rural tranquility and natural beauty. The verb carries a connotation of stern authority or zero tolerance.
Frequency
The verb usage is rare in modern spoken English but persists in formal writing and set phrases.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
brook + no + noun (e.g., brook no argument)brook + negated noun phrase (e.g., brook no interference)Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “brook no delay”
- “brook no argument”
- “a babbling brook”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. Potentially in formal contexts: 'The CEO will brook no dissent on this merger.'
Academic
Used in historical/literary analysis: 'The king would brook no challenge to his authority.'
Everyday
Uncommon for the verb. The noun might appear in descriptions of rural walks or in place names like 'Stonybrook'.
Technical
Used in hydrology/geography to classify small watercourses. Also 'brook trout' (Salvelinus fontinalis) in biology.
Examples
By Part of Speech
noun
British English
- We followed the footpath along the babbling brook.
- Trout darted in the clear waters of the Highfell Brook.
American English
- The property is bordered by a peaceful, tree-lined brook.
- We found a swimming hole in the brook behind the cabin.
verb
British English
- The headmaster would brook no disobedience from the prefects.
- This is a matter that brooks no further delay.
American English
- The general brooked no interference from civilian authorities.
- The agreement brooks no alternative interpretation.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The children played near the small brook.
- The brook has very clear water.
- A wooden bridge crossed the brook in the forest.
- The map showed a footpath following the brook.
- The babbling of the brook provided a soothing background sound.
- As a leader, she brooked no excuses for missed deadlines.
- The estate's landscaped gardens were designed to incorporate the natural course of the brook.
- The regime was authoritarian and brooked no political dissent whatsoever.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Imagine a strict BROOKer who will BROOK (tolerate) NO nonsense from his clients.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS A CONTAINER (for the verb): 'He was full of resolve and could brook no opposition.' / NATURE IS A SOURCE OF PEACE (for the noun): 'The gentle brook washed her worries away.'
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid confusing the verb 'to brook' (терпеть, допускать) with the more common noun meaning 'stream' (ручей). The verb is highly specific and formal.
- Do not use the verb in positive constructions (e.g., 'I brook your opinion' is incorrect). It is almost always 'brook no...'.
Common Mistakes
- Using the verb in a positive sense (*'He brooks discussion').
- Confusing it with 'broke' (past tense of break).
- Overusing the noun in contexts where 'stream' or 'creek' is more natural.
Practice
Quiz
In which sentence is the word 'brook' used CORRECTLY as a verb?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As a noun for a small stream, it is less common than 'stream' or 'creek' but is standard. As a verb meaning 'to tolerate', it is rare and formal, used almost exclusively in negative contexts.
No, this is incorrect. The verb 'brook' is used nearly exclusively in negative constructions, especially 'brook no...' (e.g., brook no argument, brook no delay). A positive statement like this would sound very odd to a native speaker.
There is no strict scientific difference; usage is regional. Generally, 'brook' suggests the smallest and shallowest, often with a gentle flow. 'Stream' is the most general term. 'Creek' is common in North American and Australian English, often larger than a brook. In the UK, 'beck' and 'burn' are regional equivalents.
Yes, it has a formal, literary, and somewhat archaic tone. You will encounter it in historical texts, formal declarations, or for deliberate stylistic effect. It is not used in casual modern speech.
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