brittle

Reading level: hard

Estimated CEFR level: C2 — Proficiency

Estimated from word frequency; not an official CEFR classification.

Definition

  1. noun caramelized sugar cooled in thin sheets
  2. adjective having little elasticity; hence easily cracked or fractured or snapped
  3. adjective lacking warmth and generosity of spirit

Etymology

From Middle English britel, brutel, brotel (“brittle”), from Old English *brytel, *bryttol (“brittle, fragile”, literally “prone to or tending to break”); equivalent to brit + -le.

In classic literature

Synonyms

toffee, toffy

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