brittle Definition
- 1hard but liable to break or shatter easily
- 2having a sharp, clear, and often metallic sound
Using brittle: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "brittle" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
The brittle glass shattered into a million pieces.
Example
The branches were brittle after the long winter.
Example
The old book's pages were yellowed and brittle.
brittle Synonyms and Antonyms
Phrases with brittle
Example
She gave him a brittle smile before turning away.
Example
He was diagnosed with brittle bone disease at a young age.
a type of marine invertebrate with long, slender arms that break off easily as a defense mechanism
Example
The brittle star is able to regenerate its arms if they are broken off.
Summary: brittle in Brief
The term 'brittle' [ˈbrɪt(ə)l] describes something that is hard but easily breakable, such as glass or branches. It can also refer to a sharp, clear, and often metallic sound. Examples include 'The brittle glass shattered into a million pieces.' and 'The old book's pages were yellowed and brittle.' 'Brittle' extends into phrases like 'brittle smile,' denoting a forced or insincere smile that is easily broken, and 'brittle bone disease,' a genetic disorder characterized by bones that break easily.