brook crossword clue – All Crossword Answers
Welcome! If you're looking for answers to the 'brook crossword clue', you've come to the right place. Below, you'll find a comprehensive list of solutions, categorized by their letter count, along with helpful explanations to guide you through your puzzle.
Solutions for "brook crossword clue" by Letter Count
5 Letters
CREEK: A small natural stream of water, often a common synonym for a brook.
STAND: To tolerate or endure something, as in "cannot stand" an inconvenience, aligning with the verb meaning of brook.
6 Letters
STREAM: A small, narrow river or a continuous flow of water, very similar in meaning to a brook.
ENDURE: To suffer patiently or tolerate something, directly matching the verb definition of brook.
PERMIT: To allow or give permission for something, often used as a synonym for tolerating an action, which fits the 'brook' verb meaning.
7 Letters
RIVULET: A very small stream, which is a less common but still valid synonym for a brook in some contexts.
8 Letters
TOLERATE: To allow the existence, occurrence, or practice of something without interference, making it a direct and common answer for the verb form of brook.
More About "brook crossword clue"
'Brook' is a fascinating word in the English language due to its dual nature, serving as both a noun and a verb, and this duality is often exploited in crossword puzzles. As a noun, it refers to a small stream, a natural waterway smaller than a river. When used as a verb, 'brook' means to tolerate, to allow, or to put up with something, often something unpleasant or undesirable. This second meaning is less common in everyday conversation but frequently appears in formal language and, crucially, in crosswords.
Crossword setters love words like 'brook' because they can mislead solvers into thinking of only one meaning. For instance, a clue like "Small stream" will almost certainly point to the noun form, leading to answers like CREEK or STREAM. However, a clue such as "Tolerate an insult" or "Put up with" will direct you to the verb form, with answers like ENDURE or TOLERATE being primary candidates. Always consider the context provided by the clue's other words and the number of letters required to determine which meaning of 'brook' is intended.
Understanding these distinct meanings is key to successfully solving clues that involve 'brook'. By keeping both the tranquil waterway and the act of enduring in mind, you can approach these clues with confidence and expand your crossword solving vocabulary.
Tips For Your Next Puzzle
- Analyze the Clue's Part of Speech: Is the clue asking for a noun (a thing) or a verb (an action)? This is critical for words like 'brook'. If it sounds like a synonym for 'tolerate', it's likely the verb. If it's about a water body, it's the noun.
- Count the Letters Carefully: Once you have a potential answer, double-check its length. Crossword answers must fit exactly. If your idea for "brook" (e.g., CREEK) doesn't fit the given spaces, consider the other meaning (e.g., TOLERATE) or look for synonyms of your initial thought.
- Utilize Intersecting Letters: If you have letters filled in from other clues, use them as strong hints. They will immediately narrow down the possibilities for words like 'brook' that have multiple meanings and varied lengths.
- Think Beyond the Obvious: Crossword clues often use less common synonyms or less frequent meanings of words. For 'brook', while 'stream' is common, don't forget less obvious synonyms for 'tolerate' like ALLOW or SUFFER.
For more advice, visit our page on general crossword strategies.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the two main meanings of 'brook' in crosswords?
In crosswords, 'brook' most commonly refers to either a small stream (like a creek or rivulet) or to the verb meaning 'to tolerate' or 'to put up with'.
How do I know if 'brook' means a stream or to tolerate?
The surrounding clue words and the number of letters you need will often provide context. For example, 'Small stream' points to the water body, while 'Tolerate an insult' points to the verb. If you have some letters filled in, that's often the best hint!
Are there any common misinterpretations of 'brook' in crossword clues?
One common pitfall is to only think of the 'stream' meaning and forget the verb 'to tolerate'. Always consider both possibilities, especially if initial answers don't fit the letter count or other intersecting words.