Hit the Brakes
Both break and brake can be used as a noun or a verb.
As a noun, brake refers to “a device that causes a car or machine to slow down or stop,” whereas the verb means “slowing down or bringing a machine or car to a stop by using a brake.”
Break has a multitude of definitions. But it’s most commonly used as a verb meaning “to separate into parts or pieces as a result of a blow, shock, or strain. As a noun, it typically refers to “an interruption of continuity” or “a pause in work or during an activity.”
What Does “Brake” Mean?
Brake can be used as a noun and as a verb. As a noun, it refers to “a device that stops or prevents the motion of an automobile or machine by using friction.” Think of your car or bicycle brakes. Getting around in either one of these would be pretty scary if you didn’t have brakes.
As a verb, brake means “to operate or manage a brake.”
What Does “Break” Mean?
If you were to search the word break in the dictionary, you might be overwhelmed by the number of definitions and uses this word has. Break can be defined as everything from “alter sharply in tone, pitch, or intensity” to “make an opening shot of a game of pool.” But we’ll review only the most common uses of the word break.
When used as a noun, break most often refers to “an interruption in continuity” or “a pause or rest during work, an activity, or event.”
As a verb, break also has many definitions. It often refers to “separate into parts or pieces with suddenness,” “damage,” or “interrupt (a sequence, course, or continuous state).”
How To Remember When To Use “Break” or “Brake”
Homophones like break and brake can be tricky.
Nothing’s worse than heartbreak.
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