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brittle

brit·tle

brittle

 
 
pronunciation:
brI tl
parts of speech:
adjective, noun
features:
Word Combinations (adjective), Word Explorer
part of speech: adjective
inflections: brittler, brittlest
definition 1: easily broken, esp. along smooth fracture lines.
Her bones were brittle, and she was very afraid of falling.The freezing cold made the rubber hose brittle.She often complained of her brittle fingernails.
synonyms:
shivery
antonyms:
ductile, flexible
similar words:
breakable, crumbly, delicate, fragile, frail, frangible
definition 2: not of an adaptable or easygoing disposition; easily offended or upset.
He was so brittle that one always had to deal with him cautiously.
synonyms:
inflexible, touchy
antonyms:
relaxed
similar words:
hidebound, rigid, sensitive, unyielding
definition 3: having or showing little warmth or compassion; cold.
My grandfather had been a brittle man, and my father grew up feeling estranged from him.
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
 
part of speech: noun
definition: a sheet candy made of caramelized sugar and nuts.
My aunt made delicious peanut brittle.
similar words:
candy, confection
derivations: brittlely (brittly) (adv.), brittleness (n.)
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  hair, skeleton