English vocabulary · C1
Broach
/broʊtʃ/ · v.
To broach a hard topic is to start talking about it. You bring it into the talk for the first time, even when it feels hard.
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Example sentences
- Money was hard, but she broached it.
- Dad finally broached our move.
Word origin and roots
from Old French
- broche — point (from Old French)
Synonyms and nuances
- MENTION — speak of something (Say It Briefly)
- RAISE — bring into a talk (Start A Discussion)
- INTRODUCE — present for the first time (Bring In A Topic)
Words with the same root
broche — point
- brochure — small information book
- brooch — decorative pin
Lesson notes
To broach a hard topic is to start talking about it. You bring it into the talk for the first time, even when it feels hard.
Related: mention, raise, introduce. Use broach when a topic feels hard.
Money was hard, but she broached it. Dad finally broached our move.
From Old French. Broche- means point. Broche became English broach: a point opened a cask, then a topic.