Broken away is a phrase that is commonly used to describe a situation where something has become separated or detached from something else. The phrase can be used in a variety of contexts, ranging from physical objects to relationships and even ideas. In this article, we will explore the different definitions and meanings of broken away, its origin, associations, synonyms, antonyms, and provide some example sentences to illustrate its use.
Definitions
Broken away refers to a situation where something that was once connected or attached to something else has become separated or detached. This could be a physical object like a piece of machinery, a relationship between two people, or an idea that has become disconnected from its original context. The phrase is often used to describe a sudden or unexpected separation, as in the case of a piece of machinery that has broken away from its mounting or a person who has broken away from a group.
Origin
The phrase broken away has been in use for many years, and its exact origin is unclear. However, it is likely that it evolved from the use of the word “broken” to describe something that has been damaged or separated, and the word “away” to describe something that has been removed or taken away.
Meaning in different dictionaries
The meaning of broken away is generally consistent across different dictionaries. The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “to become separated or detached from something else,” while Merriam-Webster defines it as “to separate from a larger group or entity.” The Cambridge Dictionary defines it as “to leave a place or group, especially in order to do something different or to be independent.”
Associations
The phrase broken away is often associated with feelings of separation, isolation, and independence. It can be used to describe a person who has broken away from a group or organization in order to pursue their own goals or interests. It can also be used to describe a situation where a physical object has become separated from its original context, such as a piece of machinery that has broken away from its mounting.
Synonyms
There are several synonyms for broken away, including detached, separated, disconnected, and disengaged. These words all convey a sense of something that was once connected or attached becoming separated or detached.
Antonyms
The antonyms of broken away include attached, connected, and engaged. These words describe a situation where something is still connected or attached to something else.
The same root words
The phrase broken away is made up of two root words, broken and away. These words have a variety of other uses and meanings. For example, the word broken can be used to describe something that is damaged or not working correctly, while the word away can be used to describe something that has been removed or taken away.
Example Sentences
- The piece of machinery had broken away from its mounting and was now lying on the ground.
- After years of working for the same company, she decided to break away and start her own business.
- The idea had broken away from its original context and was now being used in a completely different way.
- The group had broken away from the main body and was now pursuing its own agenda.
- The rope had broken away from the anchor, and the boat was drifting out to sea.