brittle
2 synonyms and 0 antonyms for brittle, grouped by meaning and by how common each one is.
Adj — Hard but easily broken, snapped, or shattered.
Synonyms
Rare, literary or technical
Precise, but they will stand out — check the sense before using one.
How to use brittle
The word patterns that sound natural to a native speaker.
Etymology
From Old English roots meaning "prone to break" — related to the word "brit," an old verb meaning to break into pieces.
Full origin of brittle →Frequently asked questions
What does “brittle” mean?
The word “brittle” means hard but easily broken, snapped, or shattered. In plain terms, easily broken or snapped — used for physical materials, and figuratively for emotional fragility.
How do you pronounce “brittle”?
“Brittle” is pronounced BRIH-tuhl (/ˈbɹɪtəl/ in IPA).
How do you use “brittle” in a sentence?
Here is “brittle” used in a sentence: “The old parchment had become brittle with age.”
What part of speech is “brittle”?
Depending on how it is used, “brittle” can be an adjective and a noun.
Where does the word “brittle” come from?
The word “brittle” comes from Old English. From Old English roots meaning "prone to break" — related to the word "brit," an old verb meaning to break into pieces.
Is “brittle” a common word?
“Brittle” is an uncommon word in modern English.
How many meanings does “brittle” have?
“Brittle” has 3 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: hard but easily broken, snapped, or shattered.