Brittle is a term that we often hear in our daily lives, but do we really know what it means? In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of brittle, its origin, and its associations. We will also look at synonyms and antonyms of brittle and provide examples of how it can be used in sentences.
Definitions
Brittle is an adjective that describes something that is hard and easily broken, cracked, or shattered. It can also refer to something that is fragile and delicate, or something that is lacking flexibility or resilience.
Origin
The word brittle comes from the Old English word brytel, which means “easily broken.” It has been used in the English language since the 14th century.
Meaning in different dictionaries
According to Merriam-Webster, brittle means “easily broken, cracked, or snapped” or “easily damaged or destroyed.” Oxford Languages defines brittle as “hard but liable to break easily” or “fragile.”
Associations
Brittle is often associated with materials such as glass, ceramics, and certain metals that are prone to breaking or cracking. It can also be associated with the weather, as cold temperatures can make objects more brittle and susceptible to breaking.
Synonyms
Some synonyms of brittle include fragile, delicate, breakable, crisp, and rigid.
Antonyms
Antonyms of brittle include flexible, resilient, tough, and pliable.
The same root words
The word brittle shares the same root word as the words brittleness and embrittlement. Brittleness refers to the quality of being brittle, while embrittlement refers to the process of making something brittle.
Example Sentences
- The brittle glass shattered into a million pieces when it hit the ground.
- The cold weather made the branches of the tree brittle and easy to snap.
- The brittle nature of the material made it unsuitable for the project.
- The brittle bones of the elderly woman made her more prone to fractures.
- The artist delicately handled the brittle piece of pottery to avoid any cracks or breaks.