Brood Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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brood
[brud ]
Definitions
family
A family of young animals, especially of a bird, produced at one hatching or birth.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| brood |
Primarily used when talking about a group of young animals, particularly birds, hatched at the same time. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a family or group of young children.
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| offspring |
Generally refers to the children or young produced by humans, animals, and plants. It is a more formal term and can be used in both scientific and everyday language.
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| young |
A simpler and more general term usually used to describe the young offspring of animals, particularly in everyday speech.
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| progeny |
A formal and somewhat scientific term often used in written contexts to describe descendants or offspring of humans, animals, or plants. It emphasizes continuity and heritage.
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Examples of usage
- They watched the brood of chicks pecking at the ground.
- The hen was busy caring for her brood of ducklings.
worry
To think deeply about something that makes one unhappy, angry, or worried.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| brood |
Used when someone is deeply thinking or worrying about something, often in a negative or depressed manner.
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| ponder |
Used when someone is considering something thoughtfully or reflecting upon it with care. It's often neutral and can be positive.
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| dwell |
Commonly applied when someone is focusing on something for a long time, often something negative or unpleasant. It emphasizes being stuck in a thought.
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| meditate |
Refers to the act of engaging in deep thought or concentration, often for the purpose of relaxation or achieving a higher state of awareness.
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Examples of usage
- She would brood over her mistakes for hours.
- He tended to brood on his problems rather than seeking solutions.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Literature
- Brooding characters often appear in literature, representing intense emotions and complex thoughts.
- Famous examples include Hamlet from Shakespeare, whose brooding nature spurs the dramatic action of the play.
Psychology
- Brooding can be linked to rumination, where individuals continuously think about negative aspects of their lives, potentially affecting mental health.
- Studies suggest that brooding can increase feelings of depression and anxiety.
Pop Culture
- The term 'brooding' is commonly associated with moody anti-heroes in films and books, like Batman, embodying the struggle between darkness and light.
- In music, many artists express brooding themes in their lyrics to convey feelings of heartache or introspection.
Origin of 'brood'
Main points about word origin
- Originates from the Old English word 'brodian,' meaning to sit over eggs to hatch them.
- Related to the Middle Dutch term 'broeden,' referring to sitting on eggs in a nest.
The word 'brood' has Old English origins, coming from the word 'brōd' meaning 'offspring' or 'young.' Over time, the word evolved to also encompass the concept of 'to sit on and cover eggs for warmth,' as seen in the brooding behavior of birds. The verb form, meaning 'to worry or dwell on something,' emerged later, reflecting the idea of thoughts 'hatching' or developing in one's mind.
Word Frequency Rank
Position #9,790 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.
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