Brook
/brʊk/
nounBeginner📊CommonGeneral
2 meanings2 questions
Definitions
2 meanings1
A small stream or creek.
/brʊk/
nounneutralBeginner
General
A small stream.
The children played by the brook.
💡 Simply: A little stream of water.
More Examples
2
A tiny brook meandered through the forest.
How It's Used
Nature
"A babbling brook flowed through the meadow."
2
To tolerate or allow (something, typically something unwelcome or unpleasant).
/brʊk/
verbnegativeIntermediate
General
To tolerate or endure.
She would brook no interference in her affairs.
💡 Simply: To put up with something unpleasant.
More Examples
2
The tyrant would brook no opposition.
How It's Used
Formal
"I will not brook any insults."
Tip:Imagine a brook overflowing – it doesn't tolerate being contained.
Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
From Old English *brōc, meaning a small stream. Related to the word 'break'.
Historically, 'brook' as a noun was more frequently used than its verb form. The verb usage gained traction later.
Memory tip
Think of a 'brook' as a tiny 'brother' of a river.
Word Origin
LanguageOld English
Original meaning
"small stream"
babbling brookbrook no argument
Common misspellings
brokbroock
Practice
Usage
20%Spoken
80%Written