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break up

Meaning in simple English, pronunciation and examples

Pronunciation: US /ˌbreɪk ˈʌp/

break up means: To end a romantic relationship.

phrase

END RELATIONSHIPA2

To end a romantic relationship.

  • They broke up last week.
  • I am thinking of breaking up with my boyfriend.
  • Did you stay friends after you broke up?

How to use it: break up with someone (She broke up with her boyfriend last month.)

Similar words: split up, separate

Common phrases: break up amicably, break up suddenly

verb

MAKE PIECESB1

To divide something into smaller pieces or parts.

  • Break up the bread for the birds.
  • We broke the old concrete up with a hammer.
  • Can you break this chocolate up into smaller pieces?

How to use it: break something up into something (Break the chocolate up into small pieces.)

Similar words: break apart, fragment

Opposites: join

Common phrases: break up chocolate, break up something

COME APARTB1

To come apart into smaller pieces or parts.

  • The ice began to break up.
  • The old boat broke up in the storm.
  • Will these lumps break up if we stir the mixture?

How to use it: break up into something (The rock broke up into tiny pieces.)

Similar words: come apart, disintegrate

Common phrases: break up completely, break up gradually

Questions about break up

What does break up mean?

To end a romantic relationship.

What is break up in other languages?

Türkçe: ayrılmak · Español: romper · Français: rompre · Deutsch: sich trennen · Italiano: lasciarsi · 日本語: 別れる

How do you pronounce break up?

It is pronounced /ˌbreɪk ˈʌp/.

How do you use break up in a sentence?

They broke up last week. I am thinking of breaking up with my boyfriend.

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break up in other languages

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