Thorny Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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thorny

[ˈθɔːrni ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

difficult situations

Causing distress, difficulty, or trouble; full of difficulties or controversial points.

Synonyms

challenging, difficult, problematic, troublesome.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thorny	This word is used when talking about an issue that is not only difficult but also complex and tricky to handle. It often refers to problems that have many complications or are sensitive. The project team is facing a thorny issue with the budget allocation. Negotiations reached a thorny point when discussing territorial boundaries.
difficult	Use this word for general situations that are hard to achieve or deal with. It does not carry the complex or sensitive implications of 'thorny' but simply denotes something hard to do. The math problem was difficult for most of the students. It's difficult to balance work and family life.
troublesome	This word is often used when referring to something or someone that creates trouble or inconvenience. It has a negative connotation and suggests persistent annoyance or difficulty. The troublesome neighbor kept everyone up all night with loud music. The old car has become quite troublesome with frequent breakdowns.
problematic	This word is used when describing situations that cause problems or make things worse. It often has a slightly negative tone, suggesting that the situation needs to be addressed or fixed. His behavior has been problematic for the classroom environment. The software update turned out to be problematic for many users.
challenging	This word is appropriate when describing something that requires effort, skill, or determination to overcome but is not necessarily seen in a negative light. It can have a motivational or positive connotation. Learning a new language can be challenging yet rewarding. She found the new job challenging and exciting.

Examples of usage

The negotiations hit a thorny issue when discussing the budget.
It's a thorny problem that will require careful consideration.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

plants

Having or covered with protective prickles or thorns.

Synonyms

barbed, prickly, spiky, thistly.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
thorny	Used to describe situations, problems, or topics that are difficult, complex, and potentially controversial. It can also describe plants with sharp thorns. They faced a thorny legal issue that took months to resolve. The rose bush was thorny, making it hard to prune.
spiky	Describes something with long, sharp, pointed features. Often used for haircuts, plants, or objects with such characteristics. Her spiky hair stood out in the crowd. The plant had spiky leaves that made it difficult to handle.
prickly	Typically describes something covered in small, sharp points, like plants or animals. It can also refer to someone's behavior when they are easily irritated or touchy. Cacti have prickly surfaces to protect themselves. He was in a prickly mood all day and snapped at everyone.
barbed	Often refers to something that has sharp, hooked points, like wire or arrows, and can also describe comments that are meant to hurt or offend. The fence was topped with barbed wire for security. She made a barbed remark about his work, which left him feeling upset.
thistly	Refers to something resembling a thistle, a plant known for its spines and rough texture. This word is less commonly used in everyday language. The field was overgrown with thistly weeds. He carefully walked through the thistly terrain, avoiding the sharp bristles.

Examples of usage

The rose bushes are thorny, so be careful when pruning them.
Watch out for the thorny branches while walking through the forest.

Translations

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

Origin of 'thorny'

The word 'thorny' originated in Middle English, derived from the Old English word 'thornig,' which means full of or covered with thorns. The concept of something being thorny has been used metaphorically to describe difficult or troublesome situations, likening them to navigating through prickly bushes.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,850, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

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17847 moveable
17848 lamellae
17849 saucer
17850 thorny
17851 catalysis
17852 stitching
17853 braided
...