brittle
Translation
brittle, fragile, crisp
Examples
The old bones were brittle.
The old bones were brittle.
She spoke in a brittle voice.
She spoke in a brittle voice.
Grammar Patterns
((noun)) hard but liable to break or shatter easily. Be careful with the brittle glass.
Similar Words
Synonyms: fragile, crisp, delicate; Antonyms: flexible, resilient, strong
Etymology
From Old English 'brytel' (fragile), related to 'breotan' (to break).
Memory Tips
It sounds a bit like 'break a little'. Imagine peanut brittle candy, which snaps easily.