|
- 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. |
related words: |
crisp, stiff, weak |
|
|
|
|
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.) |
|
|