brooke: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, literary, slightly archaic. Mostly used in negative constructions.
Quick answer
What does “brooke” mean?
To tolerate or endure something.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
To tolerate or endure something; to put up with.
To allow something to happen, often reluctantly; to suffer patiently; to make no active attempt to prevent something considered undesirable.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
Usage is largely identical and equally rare/formulaic in both varieties. It is marginally more frequent in British historical/literary contexts.
Connotations
Conveys a sense of stern authority or strong personal principle; implies a refusal to compromise. Often used by figures of authority.
Frequency
Very low frequency in contemporary speech. Its use is almost exclusively formulaic in the phrase 'brook no' + noun (e.g., 'brook no argument').
Grammar
How to Use “brooke” in a Sentence
Subject + (will/would/could) not + brook + NP (typically abstract noun)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brooke” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The headmaster would brook no lateness from the prefects.
- She brooked no argument regarding the new parish guidelines.
- His pride could not brook such a public humiliation.
American English
- The sheriff brooked no interference in his investigation.
- The union would not brook any further concessions.
- His ego simply could not brook a rival.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might appear in formal warnings, e.g., 'The board will brook no further delays in the project.'
Academic
Rare, found in historical/political analysis, e.g., 'The monarch brooked no challenge to his authority.'
Everyday
Extremely rare in casual conversation.
Technical
Not used.
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brooke”
- Using it affirmatively (*'He brooked my suggestion' – highly unnatural).
- Using it without a modal verb (*'He brooks no argument' – possible but less common than 'will/would not brook').
- Confusing it with the more common noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is quite rare in modern English. It is primarily used in formal, literary, or historical contexts, almost always in the negative construction 'brook no + noun'.
Affirmative use is extremely rare and sounds archaic or poetic (e.g., 'He could brook her anger'). In contemporary usage, it is nearly exclusively negative.
'Brook' is much stronger and more formal. It implies a conscious, often authoritative, decision not to allow something. 'Tolerate' is more neutral and general.
No. 'Brook' is a transitive verb and takes a direct object (e.g., 'brook no nonsense'). The preposition 'with' is not used with this verb.
To tolerate or endure something.
Brooke is usually formal, literary, slightly archaic. mostly used in negative constructions. in register.
Brooke: in British English it is pronounced /brʊk/, and in American English it is pronounced /brʊk/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Brook no nonsense”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a strict BROOK (stream) that doesn't brook any stones blocking its path – it just flows relentlessly, tolerating no obstacles.
Conceptual Metaphor
AUTHORITY IS AN UNMOVABLE OBJECT (that does not tolerate intrusion).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following sentences uses the verb 'brook' correctly?