Broody: meaning, definitions and examples

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broody

 

[ˈbrudi ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

mood expression

Broody refers to a mood characterized by deep thought or sadness. It can describe someone who is pensive or contemplative, often lost in their own thoughts. A broody person may appear withdrawn and isolated, indicating a desire for solitude or introspection. This term is often used to describe artists, writers, or individuals going through emotional challenges.

Synonyms

contemplative, melancholic, moody, pensive, sullen.

Examples of usage

  • She had a broody expression as she gazed out the window.
  • His broody demeanor suggested that something was troubling him.
  • The music had a broody quality that resonated with her feelings.
Context #2 | Adjective

animal behavior

In the context of animals, particularly birds, broody refers to the instinct of a bird to sit on its eggs to keep them warm until they hatch. A broody hen, for example, will often show behaviors such as fluffing her feathers and clucking softly, creating a safe environment for her eggs. This term can also extend to describe female animals that are preparing to raise their young.

Synonyms

incubating, nesting.

Examples of usage

  • She has a broody hen sitting on her eggs.
  • Broody ducks often protect their nests fiercely.
  • The farmer noticed the broody behavior of his hen in the coop.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • The word 'broody' comes from the Old English word 'brodian,' meaning to sit or remain.
  • Originally, it referred to birds sitting on their eggs to keep them warm and protect them.

Psychology

  • Brooding is often associated with introspection, where someone reflects on their thoughts or feelings.
  • It can sometimes lead to negative emotions, including sadness or melancholy, especially when people dwell on problems.

Pop Culture

  • Broody characters are frequently portrayed in movies and books, depicting them as complex and mysterious individuals.
  • Many famous actors have taken on broody roles, which tend to attract audiences because of the depth they convey.

Literature

  • In classic literature, broody characters often symbolize internal conflict, showcasing the struggles between personal desires and societal expectations.
  • Writers frequently use brooding settings, such as dark forests or gloomy weather, to reflect the mood of broody characters.

Art

  • Visual artists often depict brooding subjects, using shadows and muted colors to convey a deep sense of thought or sorrow.
  • Broody themes in art can evoke feelings of nostalgia, contemplation, and sometimes a deeper understanding of human emotions.

Translations

Translations of the word "broody" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pensativo

🇮🇳 उदास

🇩🇪 nachdenklich

🇮🇩 melankolis

🇺🇦 замислений

🇵🇱 zamyślony

🇯🇵 考え込んでいる

🇫🇷 pensif

🇪🇸 pensativo

🇹🇷 düşünceli

🇰🇷 생각에 잠긴

🇸🇦 مفكر

🇨🇿 zamyslený

🇸🇰 rozmýšľajúci

🇨🇳 沉思的

🇸🇮 razmišljujoč

🇮🇸 hugsa

🇰🇿 ойланған

🇬🇪 აზროვნებადი

🇦🇿 düşüncəli

🇲🇽 pensativo

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #34,304 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.