What is broken? Pronunciation and usage in English

broken means . Learn how to pronounce and use broken through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of broken

brokenverb

/ˈbrəʊk(ə)n/
Definition & pronunciation of broken

Okay, let's break down how to pronounce "broken" in English. Here's a breakdown and some tips:

The most common and widely accepted pronunciation is:

  • /ˈbroʊkən/

Let's break that down syllable by syllable:

  1. “bro”: This sounds like the word "brow" (as in your forehead). It's a short, open "o" sound – almost like "bro" as in brother.
  2. “ken”: This part is key. It's not like the name "Ken." It's pronounced with a broad "a" sound. Think of the sound you make when saying "fog" or "log." It’s a short, somewhat flat sound. It's a sound that doesn’t really exist in many other languages, so it can be tricky.

Here's a more detailed breakdown and some helpful tips:

  • Stress: The stress is on the first syllable ("bro"). That’s why it's written as /ˈbroʊkən/.

  • Rhyme: It rhymes with "toe" and "flow."

  • Listen to examples: The best way to learn is to hear it! Here are a few resources:

    • Google Translate: Type “broken” into Google Translate and click the speaker icon. (https://translate.google.com/)
    • Forvo: This website has pronunciations from native speakers: https://forvo.com/word/broken/
    • YouTube: Search "how to pronounce broken" on YouTube and you'll find many videos demonstrating the pronunciation.

Common Mistakes to Avoid:

  • Don't say "Beck-en": This is a very common mistake. It’s the name "Beck" followed by "en."
  • Don't over-emphasize the "o": Keep it short and slightly open, like the "brow" sound.

To help me tailor the explanation further, could you tell me:

  • Are you a native English speaker, or are you learning English as a second language?

Usage and examples with the word broken in English

Let's break down how to use the word "broken" in English. It's a versatile word with several meanings and uses! Here's a detailed look:

1. As an Adjective (Describing something damaged):

This is the most common use. "Broken" describes something that is damaged, not working correctly, or shattered.

  • Physical objects:
    • "My vase is broken." (It's cracked or shattered.)
    • "The window was broken during the storm."
    • "He has a broken leg." (Injured and unable to bear weight.)
    • "The computer is broken; it won't turn on."
  • Machines & Tools:
    • "The washing machine is broken."
    • "He fixed the broken bicycle.”

2. As a Verb (To damage or shatter):

"Broken" can also be a verb, meaning to cause something to break or shatter.

  • "He broke the glass." (He caused it to shatter.)
  • "The branch broke off the tree in the wind."
  • "Don't break the toy!"

3. Figurative Meanings (Beyond physical damage):

This is where "broken" gets really interesting. It's frequently used to describe emotional or mental states.

  • Emotionally Broken:
    • "She felt broken after the loss of her pet." (Devastated, heartbroken.)
    • "He’s brokenhearted." (Extremely sad)
    • “He’s broken by the betrayal.” (Distraught by a betrayal)
  • Mentally/Spiritually Broken:
    • "He seemed broken by years of hardship." (Depressed, worn down)
    • "The nation was broken by war." (Devastated by conflict)
  • Figurative - Not Working Right (Abstractly):
    • "My heart is broken." (Meaning I’m feeling deeply sad about something). It's not literally a broken heart, but an expression of intense sadness.
    • “His plans are broken.” (meaning his plans are ruined or no longer viable)

4. Phrases with "Broken":

  • Broken heart: (As mentioned above, intense sadness)
  • Broken promises: (Promises that weren't kept)
  • Broken down: (Stopped working – often used for vehicles, but also figuratively for someone who's struggling) “The car broke down on the highway.” “He broke down crying.” (emotionally overwhelmed)
  • Broken record: (Repeating the same phrase or argument endlessly)

Tips for Using "Broken" Correctly:

  • Context is key: Pay attention to the situation to understand whether "broken" refers to a physical object, a process, or an emotional state.
  • Consider synonyms: Depending on the nuance you want to convey, you might consider synonyms such as: damaged, shattered, faulty, malfunctioning, ruined, devastated, heartbroken.

Could you tell me a little more about how you want to use the word "broken"? For example:

  • Are you trying to describe a specific object?
  • Are you writing a story and need to convey a particular emotion?
  • Do you just want a more in-depth explanation of a specific aspect of its usage?

Synonyms for the word broken

Idioms of the word broken

like a broken record
in a way that keeps repeating a statement or opinion in an annoying way
  • I hate sounding like a broken record, but I have to say again, we must do more to help.

Practice with vocabulary broken

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. The laptop screen was completely _____ after it fell off the desk.
  2. She tried to fix the vase, but it was too _____ to repair.
  3. The old clock stopped working because its internal mechanism was _____.
  4. Despite its age, the antique table remained intact and was not _____.

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. The car’s engine was ____ after the accident.
    a) damaged
    b) broken
    c) repaired
    d) functional
  2. Which word best describes something that cannot be used anymore?
    a) incomplete
    b) broken
    c) fragile
    d) usable
  3. The chair was ____, so we had to buy a new one.
    a) sturdy
    b) unreliable
    c) broken
    d) polished
  4. The phone screen was cracked but still ____.
    a) damaged
    b) functional
    c) shattered
    d) repaired
  5. The bridge was ____ after the storm and needed immediate attention.
    a) intact
    b) unstable
    c) flawed
    d) broken

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The toy was damaged and couldn’t be used anymore.
  2. The promise they made was not kept, causing disappointment.
  3. The window shattered when the ball hit it.

Answer:

Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

  1. broken
  2. broken
  3. damaged
  4. broken

Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

  1. b) broken
  2. b) broken
  3. c) broken
  4. b) functional
  5. d) broken

Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

  1. The toy was broken and couldn’t be used anymore.
  2. The promise they made was broken, causing disappointment.
  3. The window was broken when the ball hit it.

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