break up , break down, break into , break out of, break off: meanings and examples

Learn these 5 words from Advanced set 9. Each entry includes a definition, example sentence, pronunciation, and synonyms. Use the interactive cards above to practice them.

1. break up · phrasal verb

   end a relationship

   After months of trying to work through their differences, Sarah and Mark finally decided to break up and go their separate ways.

   Synonyms: separate, part, split up, get divorced

2. break down · phrasal verb

   divide something into smaller components, particularly to better explain or understand it

   The problem may look complex, but you can solve it easily if you break it down.

   Synonyms: simplify, clarify, explain

3. break into · phrasal verb

   to suddenly begin an action or expression

   My grandmother wasn't expecting me and broke into tears when she saw me at the station.

   Synonyms: burst into

4. break out of · phrasal verb

   escape

   The prisoners carved through the cement floor and managed to break out of their prison cell.

   Synonyms: leave, flee, depart

5. break off · phrasal verb

   stop doing something, particularly speaking

   She broke off in the middle of her story because some coworkers came into the breakroom.

   Synonyms: discontinue, suspend, cancel