stony

word

Definition

Covered with or containing a lot of stones; also describes a person’s expression or attitude as cold, hard, or showing no emotion.

Usage & Nuances

Mainly describes surfaces or ground full of stones ('stony path', 'stony field'). Figuratively, 'stony look' or 'stony silence' refers to emotional coldness or lack of expression. Can describe personality or atmosphere as unfriendly. Rare in casual conversation for people, but common in literary or descriptive language.

Example Sentences

We walked on a stony road to the village.

basic

Her voice sounded stony when she spoke to him.

basic

The garden is full of stony soil.

basic

He just gave me a stony stare and walked away.

natural

The teacher’s stony silence made the students nervous.

natural

This area is too stony to grow vegetables easily.

natural