brittle

/'britl/

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Explanation of the Word "Brittle"

Definition: The word "brittle" is an adjective that describes something that is hard but can easily break, crack, or snap when pressure is applied. It often refers to materials like metal or glass, but it can also describe a person's character or behavior.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "brittle" to describe objects or materials that do not bend easily and can be damaged if you try to force them.
• You can also use it to describe a person who is not very warm or generous in their feelings or actions.

Example Sentences:

1. Material Context: "The glass vase is very brittle, so we must be careful not to drop it."
2. Character Context: "She has a brittle personality; she often seems cold and unapproachable."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "brittle" can be used metaphorically to describe systems or relationships that are fragile and can easily break under stress. For example: - "The economy is brittle, with many factors that could lead to a sudden collapse."

Word Variants:

• Brittleness (noun): The quality of being brittle.
  • Example: "The brittleness of the old glass made it difficult to handle."
• Brittly (adverb): In a brittle manner.
  • Example: "He spoke brittly, showing no warmth in his voice."

Different Meanings:

1. Physical: Referring to materials that break easily (e.g., brittle glass).
2. Emotional: Describing a person who is not warm or generous (e.g., a brittle response to kindness).

Synonyms:

• Fragile
• Delicate
• Breakable
• Crumbly

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

There aren't specific idioms or phrasal verbs that use "brittle," but you might encounter expressions related to fragility, such as: - "Walking on eggshells" – being very careful not to upset someone who is easily offended or hurt.

Summary:

"Brittle" is an adjective that means something is hard but can break easily. It can describe both materials and people's personalities.

Academic

Adjective

1. (of metal or glass) not annealed and consequently easily cracked or fractured
2. lacking warmth and generosity of spirit
   • a brittle and calculating woman
3. having little elasticity; hence easily cracked or fractured or snapped
   • brittle bones
   • glass is brittle
   • `brickle' and `brickly' are dialectal

Noun

1. caramelized sugar cooled in thin sheets

Synonyms

• unannealed
• brickle
• brickly
• toffee
• toffy