Word
prickly
Phoneticsprick·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈpɹɪkɫi/
UK/pɹˈɪkli/
Definition
adj. covered with sharp points that can hurt you. It also describes a person who gets angry or annoyed very easily.
adj. covered with small, sharp thorns or spines; figuratively describes a person who is easily offended or difficult to deal with due to a defensive temperament.
Examples
“The cactus is very prickly, so do not touch it.”
“He has a prickly personality and often takes offense at even the most minor suggestions from his colleagues.”
“The negotiator's prickly demeanor made it difficult for the two parties to find common ground, as he interpreted every compromise as a personal slight.”
Examples
simple
“The cactus is very prickly, so do not touch it.”
contextual
“He has a prickly personality and often takes offense at even the most minor suggestions from his colleagues.”
complex
“The negotiator's prickly demeanor made it difficult for the two parties to find common ground, as he interpreted every compromise as a personal slight.”
Usage
Can be used literally for physical textures or figuratively for social interactions; often follows linking verbs like 'be', 'become', or 'seem'.
Real-World Examples
“The prickly stalks are peeled, cooked and used as an ingredient in stews or paired with certain sauces.” Etymology
From prickle + -y.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/prickly