26984 words

brittle

6 definitions • 13 examples
1

Examples:

As you get older your bones become increasingly brittle.
The pond was covered in a brittle layer of ice.
2
easily destroyed, ended, or made to fail:

Examples:

The team's confidence is brittle after a poor performance in the World Cup.
a brittle peace/ceasefire
3
appearing to be happy or confident, but actually nervous, weak, or likely to change mood suddenly:

Examples:

The player has a notoriously brittle temperament.
The character she plays is successful but emotionally brittle.
She greeted him with a brittle smile.
4
A brittle voice or laugh sounds sharp and slightly nervous:

Examples:

She gave a brittle laugh and turned away.
His voice was so brittle it seemed about to crack completely.
5
hard toffee (= a type of sweet made from butter and sugar) that contains nuts:

Examples:

They gave us pieces of gorgeous almond brittle coated in dark chocolate.
Try making nut brittles with pecans or hazelnuts.
6

Examples:

As you get older your bones become increasingly brittle.

Navigation