bristled definition

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "bristled definition" is not standard in written English. It could be used in a context where a definition is met with resistance or defensiveness. For example: "Her bristled definition of success left no room for alternative views." Alternative expressions could include "defensive definition," "contentious definition," or "tense definition."

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

The bristled ant.

The New York Times

Iniesta bristled with menace, Silva was balletic.

The Guardian - Sport

Gundis groom themselves with their bristled hindfeet.

Britannica

Real's runners bristled with menace.

The Guardian - Sport

The snout is broad and bristled.

Encyclopedia Britannica

I stick a tiny bristled brush between all my teeth.

The New York Times - Health

Using a hard bristled toothbrush You should never use a hard bristled toothbrush; always use a medium-soft bristled toothbrush because it is far kinder to your teeth.

Independent

At 15 feet, he saw the long, bristled snout.

The New York Times

Asked about possible lineup changes -- including Nick Van Exel starting at point guard -- Lakers Coach Del Harris bristled.

The New York Times - Sports

The ­vehicles in front and back bristled with guards and machine guns.

Princeton University

Cheer, A. & Koehl, M. Paddles and rakes: fluid flow through bristled appendages of small organisms.

Nature

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using 'bristled' metaphorically, pair it with verbs like 'at' to show reaction rather than using it as a direct adjective for abstract nouns like 'definition'

Common error

Writers often try to apply tactile adjectives like 'bristled' to abstract concepts such as 'definition' to sound more descriptive, but this can lead to confusion unless the context specifically implies a person's reaction to that definition. It is better to use "defensive definition" if you want to convey a sense of resistance.

Linguistic Context

In the phrase "bristled definition", the word "bristled" functions as a past-participle adjective modifying the noun "definition". While Ludwig shows frequent use of "bristled" for physical objects like brushes, using it with abstract nouns is considered non-standard or highly metaphorical.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

Wiki

65%

News & Media

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "bristled definition" is an unusual linguistic construct. While the word "bristled" is effectively used in high-quality sources like The New York Times and The Guardian to describe physical textures or human defensiveness, it is rarely paired directly with the word "definition". Ludwig AI categorizes this specific phrasing as non-standard. If you intend to describe an explanation that is met with resistance or is difficult to navigate, you are better served by using alternatives such as "defensive definition" or contentious definition. Overall, use the term "bristled" when describing brushes, animal fur or a person's immediate reaction to a comment.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

defensive definition

Describes a definition constructed to resist criticism or protect a specific viewpoint

contentious definition

Indicates a definition that is likely to cause disagreement or argument

prickly definition

Metaphorically implies a definition that is difficult to handle or touchy

tense definition

Suggests a definition formulated under pressure or within a strained context

stiff definition

Implies a definition that lacks flexibility or nuance

thorny definition

Describes a definition involving many complexities or potential problems

rough definition

A preliminary or unpolished explanation rather than a refined one

pointed definition

A definition that is direct and perhaps intended as a subtle criticism

sharp definition

Refers to a very clear or well-defined explanation with distinct boundaries

harsh definition

An explanation that is severe or unpleasantly direct

FAQs

How do I use "bristled" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe physical items, such as a "bristled brush", or to describe a defensive reaction, like "the official "bristled at the suggestion"".

What can I say instead of "bristled definition"?

Depending on your intent, you can use more precise phrases like "contentious definition", "stiff definition" or ""defensive definition"".

What is the difference between "bristled" and "bristling"?

While "bristled" often describes a static state or a past action, "bristling" is frequently used to describe a scene full of something, such as "the city was "bristling with energy"".

Is "bristled definition" a common English phrase?

No, it is quite rare. Most writers would prefer "prickly definition" or "tense definition" to convey a similar metaphorical meaning.