Meaning & Definition of word "Brooding"

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.