knobbly
/'nɔbli/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Adjective:
- Having small, rounded lumps or protrusions; bumpy: Describes a surface or object that is covered with or characterized by small, hard, rounded bumps or knobs.
- Knotty; gnarled: Can describe something, like wood or a joint, that is lumpy and irregular in shape.
Usage
The adjective "knobbly" is used to describe the physical texture or shape of an object. It often has a slightly informal tone and is frequently applied to parts of the body (like knees or fingers), tree roots, or uneven surfaces. It emphasizes an irregular, bumpy quality.
Examples
- Describing body parts:
- The old man had knobbly knees from years of arthritis.
- Her fingers were knobbly and twisted with age.
- Describing objects or surfaces:
- The knobbly surface of the tree root made it difficult to walk over.
- He picked up a knobbly stick from the forest floor.
Advanced Usage
- Comparative and Superlative Forms: "Knobblier", "knobbliest".
- Of the two gourds, this one is the knobbliest.
- Used figuratively (less common): To describe something with an irregular, complicated, or difficult nature.
- The plot of the novel took a knobbly and unpredictable turn.
Variants and Related Words
- Knobby (adj): A common variant, especially in American English, with the same meaning (having knobs).
- He gripped the knobby handle of his walking stick.
- Knob (n): A rounded lump or ball, especially at the end or on the surface of something.
- Bumpy (adj): Having a surface with many raised and lowered areas; uneven. (A more general synonym).
- Gnarled (adj): (Of a tree, wood, or hands) knobbly, rough, and twisted, especially with age.
Synonyms
- Lumpy: Full of or covered with lumps.
- Nodular: Having or characterized by small, rounded masses or nodules (more technical).
- Bumpy: Uneven with patches or raised areas.
Antonyms
- Smooth: Having an even and regular surface; free from perceptible projections, lumps, or indentations.
- Flat: Smooth and even; without marked lumps or indentations.
- Even: Having a level surface; not bumpy.
Adjective
- having knobs
- had knobbly knees