Part of Speech

Verb, Noun

Pronunciation

brood

Definitions

• Verb: To sit on or incubate (eggs), especially by a bird.
• Verb: To sulk or brood over something; to be deeply preoccupied with a troubling thought or issue.
• Noun: A group of young animals, especially birds, that are hatched or raised together.
• Noun: The act of sitting on eggs to hatch them or the young produced in such an act.

Usage Examples

• "The hen brooded over her eggs for weeks."
• "He sat in the corner, brooding over his troubles."
• "A brood of ducklings followed their mother."

Etymology

From Old English "brōd," meaning "young, offspring," related to "brōdan" meaning "to hatch" or "to produce young." The word evolved from its focus on offspring to its broader use in describing a deep, somber thought process in modern English.

Synonyms

• Incubate
• Fret
• Sulk
• Hatch
• Offspring

Antonyms

• Rejoice
• Celebrate
• Engage
• Express
• Cheer

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

In American and British English, the word "brood" is generally pronounced the same, though in some regional accents, the vowel sound may be more rounded or flattened. Regional variations can also affect the length of the vowel sound.

Historical Usage

The word "brood" has been in use for centuries, originally referring to the hatching of eggs, particularly by birds. Over time, its usage expanded to include the metaphorical sense of dwelling on negative thoughts or emotions. The association with incubation has remained strong throughout its evolution.

Cultural Nuances

The act of brooding is often associated with negative emotions in literature and common speech, referring to a prolonged period of worry or sadness. However, in a more literal sense, brooding is crucial to the reproductive cycles of many animals, particularly birds. The cultural context in which "brood" is used can influence whether it carries a negative or neutral connotation.

More Information

The word "brood" reflects both the natural and emotional worlds. While its original meaning pertains to the nurturing act of hatching offspring, it has evolved to symbolize the emotional state of dwelling on troubling thoughts. This duality makes it a unique word in the English language, representing both nature and human emotion.