brittlely
/ˈbrɪt̬əlli/
adverb
- In a way that is hard, stiff, and likely to break or snap easily.
- The dried leaves crunched brittlely underfoot as we hiked through the autumn woods.
- The old plastic handle cracked brittlely when he tried to turn it.
- She walked brittlely across the frozen pond, afraid the ice would break.
- In a manner that is emotionally fragile, tense, or lacking warmth.
- They smiled brittlely at each other, the awkward silence filling the room.
- He laughed brittlely, trying to hide his nervousness.
- She spoke brittlely, her voice tight with barely controlled anger.
Antonyms