Word: brittle (adjective)

Associations

"Brittle" describes something that is hard but can break easily. Think of it as something that is not flexible or tough.

• Example 1: "The brittle glass shattered when it fell." (Here, the glass is hard but can easily break.)
• Example 2: "The brittle leaves crumbled in my hand." (The leaves are dry and fragile, breaking easily.)
• Example 3: "His brittle personality made it hard for him to handle criticism." (In this case, "brittle" describes someone who is sensitive and easily upset.)

A well-known synonym for "brittle" is "fragile." The main difference is that "fragile" often refers to physical objects, while "brittle" can describe both objects and characteristics (like personality).

Substitution

You could use other words like "fragile," "breakable," or "delicate" in place of "brittle."

• "Fragile" emphasizes physical weakness (like a fragile vase).
• "Breakable" is similar but is more general.
• "Delicate" can refer to both physical items and subtle situations (like a delicate balance in a relationship).

Deconstruction

The word "brittle" comes from the Old English word "britt," which means "to break." It has no prefixes or suffixes. Understanding this origin helps you see that "brittle" has always been about breaking easily.

Inquiry

• Can you think of something in your life that is brittle? How does it feel when it breaks?
• Have you ever met someone whose feelings are easily hurt? Would you describe them as brittle?
• In what situations might you choose to use "brittle" instead of "fragile"?