Dave's ESL Cafe's Student Discussion Forums

[missdaredevil]

Do *brittle* and *crisp* mean the exact same thing?
Thanks

[Nef]

Here are partial definitions from www.dictionary.com.

BRITTLE - Likely to break, snap, or crack, as when subjected to pressure: brittle bones.

CRISP - Firm but easily broken or crumbled; brittle: crisp potato chips. Pleasingly firm and fresh: crisp carrot and celery sticks.

The two can be very much alike, but they aren't necessarily used in the same way. For instance, people often talk about "brittle bones" (as being a problem) but wouldn't describe bones as being "crisp." "Crisp" has a more favorable connotation overall. But peanut brittle (very delicious candy) is one case of brittle having a pleasant connotation.

[LucentShade]

"Crisp" can also be used to talk about weather, as in "It was a crisp autumn morning." In that context, crisp means "slightly cold," enough to make someone say, "Hey, it's cold out here." I'm thinking of temperatures around 45 F, 8 C.