break

//breɪk//
A2Frequency Level 3Neutral
Visual representation of break

Verb

breakInfinitive
breakPresent tense
brokePast tense
brokenPast participle
breakingPresent participle
breaksThird-person singular
1

to separate into pieces as a result of force or pressure; to cause something to separate into pieces

The glass broke when it fell on the floor.

2

to stop working or functioning properly; to damage something so it no longer works

My phone broke yesterday.

3

to fail to keep a promise, law, or agreement

He broke his promise to help me.

4

to interrupt or stop something from continuing

I'm sorry to break your conversation, but we need to leave now.

5

to surpass or exceed a record or limit

She broke the world record in the 100-meter race.

6

to make something known; to tell news, especially bad news

I had to break the bad news to her about her father's death.

7

to escape from or end a situation or habit

She finally broke her bad habit of smoking.

Noun

breakSingular
breaksPlural
1

a pause or rest from work or activity

Let's take a break for lunch.

2

a gap or opening in something

There was a break in the fence where the dog escaped.

3

an opportunity or chance, especially for success

This job could be the big break she's been waiting for.

4

the act of separating or fracturing something

The break in the bone will take six weeks to heal.