stony

UK: ˈstəʊni | US: ˈstoʊni

Definition

  1. adj. covered with or full of stones

  2. adj. hard, cold, or unemotional in manner

  3. adj. resembling stone in texture or appearance

Structure
stone <rock>y <adjective suffix>
Etymology

The word "stony" derives from the Old English "stānig," combining "stān" (stone) with the suffix "-ig" (modern "-y"), meaning "full of" or "resembling." The root "stone" traces back to Proto-Germanic "*stainaz," reflecting the enduring, unyielding nature of rock. Over time, "stony" expanded metaphorically to describe emotional hardness or indifference, mirroring the cold rigidity of stone.

Examples

  1. The stony path made hiking difficult.

  2. Her stony expression revealed nothing.

  3. The soil was too stony for farming.

  4. He gave a stony silence in response.

  5. The stony cliffs towered over the beach.