Meaning & Definition of word "Brooding"

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    Brooding

    /ˈbruːdɪŋ/

    verb:

    • 1. To think deeply about something that makes one unhappy.
      • Example: She was brooding over her mistakes from the past.
    • 2. To sit on (eggs) to hatch them.
      • Example: The hen spent most of the day brooding over her eggs in the nest.

    adjective:

    • 1. Showing deep unhappiness of thought; darkly contemplative.
      • Example: He sat in a brooding silence, lost in his thoughts.
    • 2. Having a serious, moody, or ominous presence.
      • Example: The brooding clouds threatened rain all afternoon.

    Etymology

    From the verb 'brood', meaning to think deeply or worry, from Old English 'brūdan'.

    Common Phrases and Expressions

    brooding over:

    To think about something in a troubled way.

    brooding silence:

    A quiet yet intense atmosphere filled with sadness or contemplation.

    brooding figure:

    A person whose demeanor conveys deep thought or gloom.

    Related Words

    brood:

    To sit on eggs for hatching.

    moodiness:

    The quality of being moody or emotionally unstable.

    contemplate:

    To think deeply about something.

    Slang Meanings of brooding

    Meaning: To sulk or be uncommunicative in a deep way.

    Example Sentence: He's just brooding in his room again.

    Meaning: To be dramatically sad or thoughtful, often for effect.

    Example Sentence: She loves to brood over her ex in a very theatrical way.