Definition & Meaning of "brittle"

brittle

ADJECTIVE

easily broken, cracked, or shattered due to the lack of flexibility and resilience

Example

With each step, the brittle twigs underfoot snapped loudly in the quiet forest.

As the temperature dropped, the brittle leaves on the trees rustled with every gust of wind.

Walking on the frozen lake, the brittle ice beneath them groaned and creaked with each movement.

(of relationships, condition, etc.) easily broken and destroyed, due to being unable to handle challenges or disagreements

Example

Their brittle friendship could n't withstand the slightest disagreement.

In the face of adversity, their brittle bond crumbled like dry leaves.

The brittle trust between them shattered when secrets were revealed.

lacking warmth or emotional flexibility, often indicating a cold or rigid demeanor

Example

Her brittle tone indicated that she was still upset about the argument from earlier.

The atmosphere in the room grew increasingly brittle as tensions rose between the two rival factions.

His brittle response to criticism suggested that he was not open to feedback.

(of a voice, sound, etc.) unpleasant to the ears, often due to its sharp, harsh quality

Example

The brittle sound of breaking glass echoed through the empty hallway.

The brittle laughter of the old man echoed in the empty room.

Her voice sounded brittle as she struggled to hold back her tears, the strain evident in every syllable she uttered.

outwardly happy and confident, yet internally weak, anxious, and easily offended or upset

Example

His brittle demeanor masked a deep-seated fear of failure and rejection.

Underneath his brittle smile lay a reservoir of insecurities and uncertainties.

She tried to maintain a brittle composure during the meeting, but her trembling hands betrayed her anxiety.

Brittle

NOUN

a type of hard, crunchy candy that is made by cooking sugar and nuts or seeds together until it hardens

What is "brittle"?

Brittle is a type of candy that is known for its hard and crunchy texture and is typically made by cooking sugar and nuts or seeds together until it hardens and becomes brittle. The most common type of brittle is peanut brittle, which is made by boiling sugar and corn syrup together before adding peanuts. Other types of nuts or seeds can also be used, such as almonds, cashews, or sunflower seeds. Brittle can also be flavored with spices, such as cinnamon or ginger, or with other ingredients, such as chocolate or coconut. It is often broken into small pieces or shards and enjoyed as a sweet and satisfying snack, or used as a topping for ice cream or other desserts. Brittle is widely available in grocery stores and specialty stores around the world, and is a beloved part of many people's diets and culinary cultures. However, it is important to consume brittle in moderation as it is often high in sugar and calories, and can contribute to health issues such as obesity and tooth decay.