Bristly

Pronunciation: /ˈbrɪsli/

Definitions of bristly

adjective having a rough, prickly texture or appearance

Example Sentences

A1 The cat's fur was bristly.

A2 She brushed against the bristly branches of the pine tree.

B1 The old man had a bristly beard that scratched when he kissed his grandchildren.

B2 The bristly texture of the scrub brush made it perfect for cleaning tough stains.

C1 The bristly sensation of the paintbrush against the canvas inspired the artist to create a masterpiece.

C2 The bristly thorns on the rose bush made it difficult to prune without gloves.

Examples of bristly in a Sentence

formal The bristly texture of the fabric made it uncomfortable to wear.

informal I don't like the feel of that bristly carpet.

slang His bristly beard gives him a rugged look.

figurative Her bristly attitude towards criticism often rubbed people the wrong way.

Grammatical Forms of bristly

• past tense: bristled
• plural: bristlies
• comparative: more bristly
• superlative: most bristly
• present tense: bristle
• future tense: will bristle
• perfect tense: have bristled
• continuous tense: is bristling
• singular: bristly
• positive degree: bristly
• infinitive: to bristle
• gerund: bristling
• participle: bristled

Origin and Evolution of bristly

First Known Use: 1400 year

Language of Origin: Old English

Story behind the word: The word 'bristly' originated from the Old English word 'byrst', meaning 'bristle' or 'prickle'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, 'bristly' has retained its original meaning of having stiff, prickly hairs or fibers, but has also come to be used metaphorically to describe someone or something that is irritable or easily provoked.