brittlely

comparative more brittlely · superlative most brittlely · alternative brittly

1. In a brittle way, shattering easily under stress.

   He was flung full-length against ice that cracked brittlely under his impact.

   1930, Alice Alison Lide, Margaret Alison Johansen, chapter IX, in Ood-le-uk the Wanderer, page 134

2. In a manner that is emotionally fragile, or easily offended.

   ‘Don’t get upset. They’ll start asking questions and I know you hate people being in your business.’ Ola laughed brittlely as she blew her nose.

   2023, Yomi Adegoke, The List, 4th Estate, page 92