Brittleness – Definition & Meaning

Brittleness is a term used to describe the tendency of a material to break or shatter easily when subjected to stress or pressure. It is a property that is commonly associated with materials that lack flexibility or elasticity. In this article, we will explore the definition and meaning of brittleness, its origins, and its associations.

Definitions

Brittleness is defined as the quality or state of being brittle. It is the tendency of a material to break or shatter easily when subjected to stress or pressure. Materials that are brittle are characterized by their lack of flexibility or elasticity.

Origin

The term “brittle” comes from the Old English word “brytel,” which means “easily broken.” The word was first used in the 14th century to describe things that were fragile or easily broken.

Meaning in different dictionaries

According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary, brittleness is defined as “the quality or state of being brittle.” The Oxford English Dictionary defines it as “the quality of being brittle; the tendency to break easily when subjected to stress.”

Associations

Brittleness is commonly associated with materials that lack flexibility or elasticity. Examples of brittle materials include glass, ceramics, and some metals. It is also associated with materials that are prone to cracking or breaking under stress, such as certain types of plastics.

Synonyms

Synonyms of brittleness include fragility, stiffness, inflexibility, and rigidity.

Antonyms

Antonyms of brittleness include flexibility, elasticity, pliability, and resilience.

The same root words

The root word of brittleness is “brittle,” which is an adjective that describes something that is easily broken or fragile. Other words that share the same root include “britt,” “brickle,” and “brash.”

Example Sentences

1. The glass was so brittle that it shattered into a million pieces when it hit the ground.
2. The ceramic vase was beautiful but very brittle, so we had to handle it with care.
3. The brittle nature of the plastic meant that it was prone to cracking under stress.
4. The metal was too brittle to be used for the construction of the bridge.
5. The brittle leaves of the plant crunched underfoot as we walked through the forest.