Brook
Noun
Definition: A small stream or creek, usually flowing into a larger body of water.
Synonyms: Stream, Creek, Rivulet
Antonyms: River, Lake
- The children enjoyed playing in the brook on hot summer days.
- We had a picnic by the brook and listened to the soothing sound of the water.
- Imagine a babbling brook surrounded by beautiful scenery.
Verb
Definition: To tolerate or endure something, usually a difficulty or annoyance.
Synonyms: Endure, Tolerate, Bear
Antonyms: Resist, Reject
- She could no longer brook the constant criticism and decided to quit her job.
- I cannot brook such disrespect from my students.
- Remember "brook" sounds like "bear" which conveys the idea of tolerating or enduring something.
Etymology:
Old English 'brōc', related to Dutch 'broek' and German 'Bruch', ultimately of Germanic origin.
Historical Usage:The word has been used since Old English times to refer to a small stream or creek, and the verb form meaning to tolerate is derived from the noun.
Related Idioms:
"A storm in a teacup"
Explanation:This phrase means a great fuss or uproar over something trivial or unimportant. It doesn't directly involve the word "brook," but it can convey the idea of not being able to tolerate or endure a minor issue.
Misconceptions:
Confusing the verb form of "brook" with the noun form of "brook."
Explanation:The noun form refers to a small stream or creek, while the verb form means to tolerate or endure something. They have separate definitions and should not be confused.