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Brooded Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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brooded

[หˆbruห.dษชd ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

emotional state

Brooded refers to the act of thinking deeply or worrying about something, often in a moody or sullen manner. It suggests a prolonged period of contemplation where one becomes preoccupied with certain thoughts or feelings, which could be linked to sadness or introspection. People may brood over past events, decisions, or relationships, and this state can lead to feelings of anxiety or depression if persisted. The term often implies that the individual is lost in their thoughts, unable to focus on the present.

Synonyms

mope, ponder, wallow.

Examples of usage

  • She brooded over her mistakes.
  • He spent the evening brooding about his future.
  • The stormy skies matched his brooding mood.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • Brooding can lead to rumination, which involves excessively thinking about past events and can contribute to anxiety.
  • Some studies suggest that brooding can negatively impact mental health, making it harder to move on from distressful experiences.
  • Mindfulness practices are often recommended as a way to counteract the effects of brooding.

Literature

  • Brooding characters are often depicted in literature as contemplative and intense, like Hamlet in Shakespeare's plays.
  • Many romantic poets used brooding as a theme to express deep emotions and personal turmoil.
  • Contemporary novels often feature brooding protagonists to add complexity to their inner struggles.

Pop Culture

  • Brooding is a popular trope in films, often associated with the 'mysterious' hero or villain that has a deep backstory.
  • Characters like Batman are often described as brooding due to their complex emotional lives and darker themes.
  • The portrayal of brooding characters continues to resonate, especially in genres like drama and fantasy.

Science

  • Research in neuroscience shows that negatively oriented thoughts, similar to brooding, can activate certain areas of the brain linked to emotions.
  • Long periods of brooding can disrupt cognitive functions, impacting decision-making abilities.
  • Neuroplasticity suggests that changing thought patterns from brooding to positive thinking can reshape brain activity over time.

Origin of 'brooded'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Old English 'brลdian', meaning to be troubled or worried.
  • Originally related to the word 'brow', where frowning was associated with deep thought or concern.
  • The term has evolved to include both the act of deep thinking and the feeling of melancholy.

The word 'brood' comes from the Old English 'brลซdan,' which means to sit over or to incubate. Initially used in the context of birds sitting on eggs to hatch them, the meaning has evolved over time. In the 16th century, 'brood' began to encompass emotional connotations, relating to people who are deep in thought or contemplation. This shift reflects the dual aspects of nurturing and preoccupation inherent in the term, signifying both care and an overwhelming sense of worry or melancholy. The evolution of the word captures various human experiences, from the protective nature of a parent to the introspective struggles one might face.

Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #23,032, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.