Sticky
'stɪki
Definitions
3 meaningsHaving the property of adhering or tending to adhere to a surface.
'stɪki
Having the property of adhering to a surface.
The chewing gum got sticky after it was left out in the sun.
💡 Simply: If something's sticky, it means it's like glue or honey—it grabs onto things and doesn't want to let go. Imagine getting your fingers stuck on a lollipop!
👶 For kids: When something is sticky, it means it's a little bit wet and it can stick to things like glue.
More Examples
Be careful; the paint is still sticky.
The tape isn't very sticky anymore.
How It's Used
"The spilled honey made the floor sticky."
"Some plants have sticky leaves to trap insects."
Difficult to resolve or get out of; problematic.
'stɪki
Difficult to deal with; problematic.
The company faced a sticky legal battle.
💡 Simply: When something's sticky, but not literally, it means it's a tough situation or a tricky problem you can't easily solve. Like when your friend is mad at you for something, that's a sticky situation!
👶 For kids: When something is sticky (in this way), it means it's hard to solve or fix.
More Examples
The deadline presented a sticky challenge.
She was in a sticky financial position.
How It's Used
"The negotiations hit a sticky point when they discussed pricing."
"The scandal created a sticky situation for the candidate."
Marked by secrecy or lack of transparency; difficult to uncover or disclose information about.
'stɪki
Concerning a situation in which information is difficult to get.
The company tried to hide their sticky finances.
💡 Simply: When something is 'sticky' in this sense, it's like a secret that's hard to uncover. Like finding out where your sibling hides the snacks.
👶 For kids: When something is sticky (in this way), it's like something you can't easily know about.
More Examples
The police were confronted with a sticky case.
Finding the truth was a sticky matter.
How It's Used
"The investigation met a sticky wall of silence."
Synonyms & Antonyms
Idioms & expressions
sticky fingers
A tendency to steal or shoplift.
"The shop owner suspected the customer had sticky fingers."
get sticky
A situation becomes difficult or problematic.
"The legal case started to get sticky when new evidence emerged."
From Middle English *stykke*, from Old English *sticia* ('to stick, adhere'), related to *stician* ('to pierce, stab').
Used since the 14th century, initially referring to the physical property of adhering.
Memory tip
Think of glue or tape – they make things stick!
Word Origin
"to stick, adhere"