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Stony Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

๐Ÿชจ
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stony

[หˆstษ™สŠni ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

describing a surface or area

covered with or full of stones; rocky

Synonyms

bouldered, pebbly, rocky.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stony

Describes something covered with or full of stones or having a hard, immovable appearance. Often used to describe an expression or landscape.

  • He gave me a stony glare.
  • The landscape was barren and stony.
rocky

Refers to something that is full of rocks or consisting of rock terrain. It can also be used metaphorically to describe a difficult situation.

  • The trail through the forest was rocky.
  • Their relationship has been rocky lately.
pebbly

Describes something that is covered with small, smooth stones like pebbles. Commonly used to describe beaches or roads.

  • We walked along the pebbly beach.
  • The garden path was pebbly and charming.
bouldered

Used to describe an area covered with large rocks or boulders. Often used in reference to natural settings like rivers or mountainous regions.

  • The path was bouldered and difficult to navigate.
  • We reached a bouldered riverbed.

Examples of usage

  • The stony ground made it difficult to plant crops.
  • She sat on the stony beach, listening to the waves.
  • The path was stony and uneven.
Context #2 | Adjective

describing a person's expression or demeanor

showing no emotion; unfeeling

Synonyms

expressionless, impassive, unemotional.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
stony

Used to describe a face or appearance that is very cold and unfeeling, often in response to something unpleasant or shocking.

  • Her stony expression showed no sign of emotion as she received the news.
  • Despite the compliments, he maintained a stony demeanor.
expressionless

Describes a face that shows no signs of feelings or emotions, often used in neutral or indifferent situations.

  • The robot's face was expressionless, betraying no sign of its thoughts.
  • He listened to the lecture with an expressionless gaze.
unemotional

Refers to a person who does not express emotions easily, often implying a lack of sensitivity or detachment.

  • He gave an unemotional account of the events.
  • Though difficult news was shared, her response was surprisingly unemotional.
impassive

Indicates a person who shows no emotion or reaction, often used in situations requiring self-control or in professional settings.

  • The judge remained impassive throughout the heated courtroom debates.
  • She accepted the criticism with an impassive look.

Examples of usage

  • His stony gaze made her uneasy.
  • She gave him a stony silence in response to his question.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Origin of 'stony'

The word 'stony' originated from the Old English word 'stanig', which meant 'full of stones'. Over time, it evolved to 'stony' in Middle English. The use of 'stony' to describe rocky surfaces or unfeeling expressions dates back to the 14th century.

See also: stone, stonecarver, stonecraft, stonecutter, stonecutting, stoned, stonemason, stonemasonry, stoner, stones, stoneware, stonework.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #12,153, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.