brittle
word
Definition
Something that is brittle breaks easily when bent or pressed. The word can also describe a person’s mood or voice as being easily upset or fragile.
Usage & Nuances
'Brittle' is usually used for materials (glass, dry leaves, plastic) that break rather than bend. It can also describe emotions or voices that seem tense or unstable. In food, 'brittle' means hard and likely to snap (e.g., peanut brittle). Not to be confused with 'fragile', which focuses more on being delicate, not necessarily snapping.
Example Sentences
Her voice sounded brittle when she spoke to the crowd.
natural
The glass vase is very brittle.
basic
The old tree branches are brittle and break easily.
basic
Be careful, this candy is very brittle.
basic
After years in the sun, the plastic chair became brittle and cracked.
natural
Their relationship was brittle, like it could break at any moment.
natural