How Do You Spell BRITTLE?

Pronunciation: [bɹˈɪtə͡l] (IPA)

The word "brittle" is spelled with the letters b-r-i-t-t-l-e. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is pronounced as /ˈbrɪtl/. The "b" is pronounced with a voiced bilabial plosive sound, followed by a short "i" vowel sound /ɪ/. The "t" is pronounced with an unvoiced alveolar plosive sound, followed by a short "l" sound /l/. The second "t" is also pronounced with an unvoiced alveolar plosive sound. The "e" at the end is silent. This word refers to something that is easily breakable or fragile.

BRITTLE Meaning and Definition

  1. Brittle is an adjective that describes the quality or state of being fragile, easily broken, or prone to shattering or cracking under stress or pressure. It is used to describe materials, objects, or substances that lack flexibility, resilience, or ductility.

    In relation to physical properties, brittle typically refers to materials that are stiff and rigid, lacking elasticity or the ability to bend without breaking. These materials often fracture, splinter, or snap when subjected to external forces, such as impact or tension. Some common examples of brittle substances include glass, ceramics, certain types of metals like cast iron, or dry tree branches.

    Metaphorically, brittle can also describe the emotional or mental state of a person. When used in this context, it implies a vulnerability to becoming easily upset, sensitive, or emotionally unstable. It suggests a delicate emotional balance that can be shattered by even minor stressors or challenges.

    Furthermore, brittle can be used to describe situations, relationships, or systems that are unstable or easily disrupted. It implies that they lack resilience or adaptability, making them prone to breaking apart or collapsing under pressure.

    Overall, brittle refers to the characteristic of being delicate, easily breakable, or vulnerable to fracturing physically, emotionally, or in abstract concepts.

  2. Easily broken, noting a bacterial colony which is dry and friable.

    A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.

  3. • Brittleness.
    • Easily broken; not tough.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for BRITTLE *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for BRITTLE

Etymology of BRITTLE

The word brittle originated from the Old English term brytel, which can be traced back to the Proto-Germanic word *britilaz. This Proto-Germanic term is believed to have been derived from the same root as the Old Norse word brytill, meaning brittle or fragile. Ultimately, the origin of brittle can be connected to the Proto-Indo-European root *ber- or *bher-, which carries the meaning of to break or to split.

Similar spelling words for BRITTLE

Plural form of BRITTLE is BRITTLES

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