broke
- 01 A2 Elementary
v.the past tense of 'break'.
v.the simple past tense of the irregular verb 'break'.
Simple“He accidentally broke his favorite mug when he dropped it this morning.”
In context“The sudden surge in pressure broke the main water pipe, causing significant flooding in the basement before the valves could be closed.”
PitfallThe window was broke by the ball. The window was broken by the ball.Use 'broke' for the simple past and 'broken' for the passive voice or past participle.
- 02 A2 Elementary
adj.having no money at all.
adj.lacking financial resources; penniless or bankrupt.
Simple“I can't go to the cinema tonight because I'm completely broke until payday.”
In context“After the startup failed, the founders found themselves broke and looking for entry-level positions in a competitive market.”
- 03 C1 Advanced
v.to arrange a deal or business agreement between other people.
v.to negotiate or arrange a deal, typically as an intermediary.
Simple“The two countries tried to broke a peace deal after years of war.”
In context“The diplomat spent months attempting to broke a ceasefire between the warring factions, though local leaders remained skeptical of the terms.”
UsageOften used in political or high-level business contexts regarding treaties or mergers.
- 04 C2 Proficiency
n.paper that is damaged or left over during manufacturing and sent to be recycled.
n.discarded paper or board that is repulped during the manufacturing process.
Simple“The factory collects all the broke to make new sheets of paper.”
In context“Efficient mill management requires the systematic collection of wet and dry broke to minimize raw material costs and reduce environmental impact.”
Usage broke rules
Ablauted form of break.
From Middle English broce, from Old English gebroc (“fragment”), from brecan (“to break”). Compare broken, past participle of break. Compare also Scots brock (“a scrap of meat or bread”).
Back-formation from broker.
Clipping of broke off.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.