thorny — having thorns or sharp points; causing difficulty or controversy
Part of speech: ADJECTIVE
Definition: having thorns or sharp points; causing difficulty or controversy
Pronunciation (IPA): /ˈθɔːrni/
Example Sentences
- Dating your best friend's ex is always a thorny situation.
- The thorny debate about pineapple on pizza continues.
- She carefully avoided the thorny branches while picking berries.
thorny
ADJECTIVE[/ˈθɔːrni/]
having thorns or sharp points; causing difficulty or controversy
A thorny rose bush scratched her hand.
The thorny stem hid beneath the beautiful rose. (ROSE + PAIN = THORN → the sharp part that causes pain)
Though the thorny path left him worn, he returned stronger and reborn.
Got the picture? Now let's practice.
🎤Pronunciation
🌳Etymology
Origin
From Old English 'thornig', derived from 'thorn' (a sharp-pointed plant part) combined with the adjective suffix '-y', ultimately from Proto-Germanic roots meaning a sharp point or prickle.
Breakdown
thorn (sharp point) + -y (adjective suffix meaning 'having the quality of') = thorny
🎵Rhyme
🔗Collocations
📝Examples
“Dating your best friend's ex is always a thorny situation.”
“The thorny debate about pineapple on pizza continues.”
“She carefully avoided the thorny branches while picking berries.”
“Climate change is a thorny issue that requires global cooperation.”
📚Related Words
Synonyms
Antonyms
Related
Want to master 19,000+ words?
Sign up free for flashcards & quizzes.