How to Pronounce brake vs break
Key Pronunciation Contrast
Homophones (⁄breɪk⁄): ‘brake’ stops a vehicle, while ‘break’ means to shatter, fracture, or pause.
Contrast: Homophones: identical ⁄breɪk⁄
brake
⁄breɪk⁄
BRAKE
A device used to slow or stop the motion of a wheel, or of a vehicle, usually by friction (although other resistive forces, such as electromagnetic fields or aerodynamic drag, can also be used); also, the controls or apparatus used to engage such a mechanism such as the pedal in a car.
break
⁄breɪk⁄
BREAK
To separate into two or more pieces, to fracture or crack, by a process that cannot easily be reversed for reassembly.
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80 total video examplesFrequently Asked Questions: brake vs break
What is the difference in pronunciation between "brake" and "break"?
Homophones (⁄breɪk⁄): ‘brake’ stops a vehicle, while ‘break’ means to shatter, fracture, or pause.
Where does the syllable stress fall in "brake" vs "break"?
"brake" has 1 syllable(s) (brake) with stress on "BRAKE". "break" has 1 syllable(s) (break) with stress on "BREAK".
Why do English learners often confuse "brake" and "break"?
Learners frequently confuse them due to the close sound contrast: Homophones: identical ⁄breɪk⁄. In rapid spoken English, context and vowel duration are the primary differentiators.
What are example sentences for "brake" and "break"?
Example for "brake": "She slammed the brakes when she saw a child run in front of the car." Example for "break": "If the vase falls to the floor, it might break."