1 B1 neutral
to separate into smaller pieces
"The dry cookie broke apart in my hand."
inseparable
break apart
B1 neutral mixed transitive/intransitive
to separate into pieces or make something separate into pieces
In plain English
to come into smaller parts or make it do that
What does "break apart" mean?
3 meanings, ordered from most common to least. Color-coded by CEFR level.
2 B1 neutral
to make something separate into pieces
"Use a fork to break the meat apart before serving."
separable
3 B2 idiomatic neutral
to collapse or divide emotionally or socially
"The team began to break apart after months of internal conflict."
inseparable
Usage tip
Common in both physical and figurative uses, such as families, systems, or objects.
Words that pair with "break apart"
Natural word combinations native speakers use most often.
pieces families rocks communities groups structure
How to conjugate "break apart"
The five tense forms you'll use most often.
Base
break apart
I/you/we/they
3rd person
breaks apart
he/she/it
Past simple
broke apart
yesterday
Past participle
broken apart
have + pp
-ing form
breaking apart
continuous
Hear "break apart" in the wild
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Other ways to say "break apart"
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Keep exploring
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