Brittle
/ˈbrɪtəl/
Definitions
2 meaningsHard but easily broken or shattered.
/ˈbrɪtəl/
Hard but liable to break or shatter easily.
The glass was brittle and shattered on the floor.
💡 Simply: Easily broken.
More Examples
His bones had become brittle with age.
How It's Used
"The brittle ceramic cracked under pressure."
"The old bone was brittle and fragile."
Lacking warmth or feeling; cold and unfriendly.
/ˈbrɪtəl/
Cold and unfriendly; lacking warmth or feeling.
He maintained a brittle composure throughout the trial.
💡 Simply: Cold and unfriendly.
More Examples
Her brittle smile didn't reach her eyes.
How It's Used
"Her brittle laughter didn't hide her sadness."
From Middle English *brittil, from Old English *bryttel, from Proto-Germanic *brūtilaz, related to Old High German *brūtil.
The word 'brittle' has been used to describe both physical and emotional states since at least the Middle English period.
Memory tip
Think of a brittle cookie that breaks easily.