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Broke: meaning, definitions and examples

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broke

 

[brəʊk ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

financial

having little or no money

Synonyms

bankrupt, destitute, penniless.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
broke

This word is usually used informally to describe a temporary lack of money. It tends to be used in casual conversations among friends or in situations where someone wants to indicate that they do not currently have money but may have it again soon.

  • I want to go out tonight, but I'm totally broke.
  • He’s been broke ever since he lost his job last month.
bankrupt

This term is a legal status and is used formally to describe an individual or organization that cannot repay their debts. It involves legal proceedings and is not typically reversible in the short term.

  • The company went bankrupt after years of financial troubles.
  • She declared herself bankrupt to avoid further debt.
penniless

This term is used to emphasize a complete lack of money, often in a dramatic or literary context. It signifies having no money at all and can evoke a sense of hopelessness or despair.

  • She arrived in the city, penniless and alone.
  • After the robbery, he was left penniless.
destitute

This word describes a severe and extreme lack of money, resources, or possessions. It is often used to evoke sympathy or describe a desperate situation.

  • After the economic collapse, many families were left destitute.
  • He found himself destitute and living on the streets.

Examples of usage

  • I can't go on vacation this year, I'm broke.
  • After paying my bills, I'm usually broke by the end of the month.
Context #2 | Verb

past tense

past tense of break

Synonyms

cracked, shattered, smashed.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
broke

Used to describe a general situation where something has been damaged or no longer functions as it should.

  • My computer broke yesterday
  • The chair broke when he sat on it
shattered

Describes something that is completely broken into many pieces, often in a dramatic way. It has a strong connotation of total destruction.

  • The vase shattered when it fell off the shelf
  • The mirror shattered into a thousand pieces
smashed

Implies something was violently or forcefully broken into pieces. It often suggests a deliberate action or high impact.

  • He smashed the pumpkin on the ground
  • The car's window was smashed during the robbery
cracked

Used to depict a slight break or fissure on the surface of an object, usually not severe enough to completely ruin its function.

  • The window cracked when the ball hit it
  • He noticed a crack in the car's windshield

Examples of usage

  • He broke his phone yesterday.
  • She broke the vase by accident.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The term 'broke' comes from the old English word 'brocen', which means to break or separate.
  • It was originally used to describe something that was broken, like a tool or item, before evolving to describe financial situations.

Economics

  • Being broke can lead to various financial behaviors such as borrowing money, cutting expenses, or seeking alternative income sources.
  • The phrase 'broke as a joke' highlights the humorous side of being in financial distress.

Pop Culture

  • In music, many songs discuss the theme of being broke, capturing the struggles and emotions associated with financial hardship.
  • Movies often portray characters who become broke, turning their lives upside down and leading to comedic or dramatic situations.

Social Impact

  • Economic instability can lead to increased mental health issues, as being broke can create stress and anxiety.
  • Communities often come together to support those who are broke, showing solidarity through mutual aid and resources.

Psychology

  • Feeling broke can impact self-esteem and personal identity, leading to feelings of shame or inadequacy.
  • Studies suggest that financial insecurity alters decision-making processes, making individuals more risk-averse or more impulsive.

Translations

Translations of the word "broke" in other languages:

🇵🇹 quebrado

🇮🇳 टूटा हुआ

🇩🇪 gebrochen

🇮🇩 rusak

🇺🇦 зламаний

🇵🇱 złamany

🇯🇵 壊れた

🇫🇷 cassé

🇪🇸 roto

🇹🇷 kırık

🇰🇷 부러진

🇸🇦 مكسور

🇨🇿 zlomený

🇸🇰 zlomený

🇨🇳 破的

🇸🇮 zlomljen

🇮🇸 brotinn

🇰🇿 сынған

🇬🇪 გატეხილი

🇦🇿 sınıq

🇲🇽 roto

Word Frequency Rank

At position #2,635, this word belongs to solid intermediate vocabulary. It's frequently used in both casual and formal contexts and is worth learning for better fluency.