brooks: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Low (for the verb); Medium (for the noun plural).Formal/Literary (verb); Neutral (noun).
Quick answer
What does “brooks” mean?
The word 'brooks' primarily functions as the third-person singular present tense form of the verb 'to brook,' meaning 'to tolerate' or 'to allow.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
The word 'brooks' primarily functions as the third-person singular present tense form of the verb 'to brook,' meaning 'to tolerate' or 'to allow.'
It is also a proper noun (surname) and the regular plural form of the common noun 'brook' (a small stream).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in meaning. The word is equally rare/formal in both varieties as a verb. The noun is standard in both.
Connotations
The verb carries a connotation of stern authority or pride. The noun often has pastoral, rustic, or peaceful connotations.
Frequency
The verb is infrequent in modern colloquial speech, found more in writing, official statements, or formal speech.
Grammar
How to Use “brooks” in a Sentence
NP brooks no NP (e.g., She brooks no interference)NP brooks no V-ing (e.g., He brooks no questioning)Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “brooks” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- The headmaster brooks no cheek from his pupils.
- Her pride brooked no suggestion of failure.
American English
- The coach brooks no laziness on his team.
- This process brooks no delay.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Used in formal statements: 'The CEO brooks no deviation from the safety protocol.'
Academic
Rare; may appear in historical or literary analysis: 'The regime brooked no intellectual challenge.'
Everyday
Very rare as a verb. The noun is common in descriptive contexts: 'We walked along the brooks in the valley.'
Technical
In hydrology/geography: 'The catchment area is fed by numerous small brooks.'
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “brooks”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “brooks”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “brooks”
- Using it affirmatively (*She brooks his advice - sounds odd).
- Confusing it with 'broke' (past tense of break).
- Using the non-existent singular form *'a brooks' for the noun.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
As the plural of 'brook' (stream), it is common. As the verb meaning 'tolerates,' it is rare and formal.
Extremely rarely. The verb is almost exclusively used in the negative 'brooks no...' to express zero tolerance.
Generally, 'brook' and 'creek' imply smaller than a 'stream,' but regional usage varies greatly, especially between US and UK English.
Etymologically, yes (both from Old English 'brōc,' related to water). The verb's meaning evolved from 'to use a brook' to 'to make use of,' hence 'to endure.'
The word 'brooks' primarily functions as the third-person singular present tense form of the verb 'to brook,' meaning 'to tolerate' or 'to allow.
Brooks is usually formal/literary (verb); neutral (noun). in register.
Brooks: in British English it is pronounced /brʊks/, and in American English it is pronounced /brʊks/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Brooks no nonsense (is very strict and practical)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a strict BROOK (stream) that 'brooks' (tolerates) no pollution in its waters.
Conceptual Metaphor
TOLERANCE/INTOLERANCE IS A CONTAINER (He is full of patience / He brooks no nonsense - the container is empty of tolerance).
Practice
Quiz
In which of these sentences is 'brooks' used correctly as a verb?