brittle
What does "brittle" mean?
Brittle describes something hard or stiff that breaks or snaps easily under pressure rather than bending or stretching. Think of a dry twig, a thin piece of glass, or an old, yellowed page of a book that crumbles when you try to turn it. In a figurative sense, it is often used to describe personality or situations that are fragile or tense. A brittle person might be someone who seems composed but is actually on the verge of snapping emotionally, while a brittle peace or alliance is one that is unstable and likely to fail at the slightest disturbance.
"brittle" in conversation
Handling delicate items
Be careful with that antique vase, it looks incredibly brittle.
Be careful with that antique vase, it looks incredibly brittle.
I know, I'm barely touching it.
I know, I'm barely touching it.
Used to describe physical fragility.
Discussing a tense relationship
Their conversation felt so brittle today.
Their conversation felt so brittle today.
Yeah, I felt like one wrong word would have caused a huge argument.
Yeah, I felt like one wrong word would have caused a huge argument.
Used to describe emotional or situational tension.
"brittle" in a sentence
The dry leaves were so brittle they crunched under my feet.
The dry leaves were so brittle they crunched under my feet.
The metal became brittle after being exposed to extreme cold for a long time.
The metal became brittle after being exposed to extreme cold for a long time.
Despite her brittle exterior, she was deeply sensitive to the criticism.
Despite her brittle exterior, she was deeply sensitive to the criticism.
