Word
broach
US/ˈbɹoʊtʃ/
UK/bɹˈəʊtʃ/
Definition
v. to bring up a difficult or sensitive topic so people can start talking about it. You use this when the subject feels awkward and needs care.
v. to introduce a sensitive or difficult subject for discussion, often for the first time. Implies caution or delicacy on the speaker's part.
Examples
“She broaches the idea of moving to a smaller flat.”
“During the team meeting, he finally broaches the issue of overtime pay that everyone has avoided for weeks.”
“Having sensed her parents' reluctance to discuss the will, she waits until dinner is over before she broaches the question of who will care for the family home.”
Examples
simple
“She broaches the idea of moving to a smaller flat.”
contextual
“During the team meeting, he finally broaches the issue of overtime pay that everyone has avoided for weeks.”
complex
“Having sensed her parents' reluctance to discuss the will, she waits until dinner is over before she broaches the question of who will care for the family home.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “broach” in context.
Verb
01. attempt to broach
“He attempted to broach the question of fees but was interrupted.”
verb + to + verb
02. broach concern
“She decided to broach her concerns about safety with management.”
verb + noun
03. broach issue
“The report broaches the issue of mental health in the workplace.”
verb + noun
04. broach matter
“May I broach a delicate matter regarding your recent absence?”
verb + noun
05. broach possibility
“They broached the possibility of a joint venture over lunch.”
verb + noun
06. broach question
“He broached the question of succession planning with the directors.”
verb + noun
07. broach subject
“It is time to broach the subject of who will pay for repairs.”
verb + noun
08. broach topic
“She finally found the courage to broach the topic in the meeting.”
verb + noun
Adjective
09. carefully broach
“She carefully broached the idea of moving abroad during dinner.”
adv + verb
Noun
10. broach during meeting
“He plans to broach his proposal during tomorrow's meeting.”
verb + prep + noun
11. broach with colleague
“You should broach the idea with a colleague before the review.”
verb + prep + noun
12. broach the possibility of
“He broached the possibility of working part-time after his illness.”
Usage
The verb is transitive and takes a direct object, often 'subject', 'topic', 'issue', or 'question'.
Etymology
Etymology tree Proto-Celtic *brokkos Gaulish *brokkosbor.? Vulgar Latin broccus Vulgar Latin brocca Old French brochebor. Middle English broche English broach From Middle English broche, from Old French broche, from Vulgar Latin *brocca, originally a feminine form of Latin broccus, perhaps ultimately of Gaulish origin (see Scottish Gaelic bròg). Doublet of brochure.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Synonyms
Word family
VERB
ADJECTIVE
Related words
Domains
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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