broke

broke — verb

1. the word you use for break in the simple past tense.

1.verbtransitive / intransitiveA1
Definition

the word you use for break in the simple past tense.

Example

Omar broke the blue plate while washing dishes after dinner.

past tense: broke something

During the storm, a branch broke and hit the garden fence.

intransitive use: something broke

Common collocations
  • broke a plate
  • broke her glasses
  • radio broke again
  • branch broke

Grammar Patterns

broke something

something broke

Usage Note

Only identifies the simple past form. For the full range of meanings and other forms such as 'broken' and 'breaking', see the main entry for 'break'.

Common Mistakes

Yesterday I break the cup.
Yesterday I broke the cup.
use 'broke' for the simple past.
The window has broke again.
The window has broken again.
after 'has' or 'have', use the past participle 'broken'.

broke — adjective

Word family

  • break
    verbA1
  • broken
    adjectiveA2
  • breakable
    adjectiveB2
  • breakage
    nounC1

Synonym discussion

Sense: adjective/1

For adjective sense 1, broke is an informal everyday word for having little or no money right now. It often describes a temporary situation after paying rent, traveling, or buying something expensive. Penniless is stronger and more dramatic, suggesting no money at all. Poor is broader and can describe a long-term economic condition, not just an empty wallet this week. Hard up is also informal, but it often suggests money problems over a longer period. Bankrupt is far more serious and is used especially for legal or business failure. Say 'I'm broke until payday' for a short-term cash problem. Say 'The company went bankrupt' for a complete financial collapse.

broke ↗penniless ↗poor ↗hard upbankrupt ↗

Etymology

Old EnglishMiddle EnglishModern English

Broke belongs to the same word family as break. As a verb form, it is the old simple past of break, a word recorded in Old English as brecan. The adjective meaning 'without money' grew later from the idea of being financially broken or ruined. In everyday speech, especially in North America, that shorter form became a common way to say someone has no money left for now.