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📕 rednote ID(小红书号)：3881567312

Thorny: Definition, Usage & Common Mistakes (2 meaning)

Meaning 1：complicated problem (thorny)

thorny 🔊

/ˈθɔːrni/

adj.

Describing a problem that causes disagreement and is hard to solve.

Thorny problem illustrated by a complex business meeting discussing a difficult issue.

complicated problem 🔊

➕

/ˈkɒmplɪkeɪtɪd ˈprɒbləm/

adj.

Refers to an issue or situation that is complex, causes disagreement, and is challenging to resolve.

📁 Category：Social Economy 🔖 Level：Intermediate

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Root Explanation

Derived from 'thorn' (sharp point) + '-y' (adjective suffix meaning 'having the quality of').

💡 Mnemonic

Imagine a rose: beautiful but thorny, just like some attractive yet complicated problems.

📖 Example

The city council is still debating the thorny issue of how to balance new development with preserving green spaces. 🔊 The city council continues to discuss the difficult problem of balancing new development with green space preservation.

🔗 Collocations

thorny issue – a problem that is difficult to solve

thorny question – a complex and controversial question

thorny problem – a challenging and divisive problem

🔄 Synonyms

complicated (adj.) – involving many parts or aspects; not simple

contentious (adj.) – causing or likely to cause disagreement

knotty (adj.) – extremely difficult to solve or understand

🚫 Antonyms

straightforward (adj.) – easy to understand or simple

simple (adj.) – not complicated or elaborate

🌱 Derivatives

thorniness (n.) – the quality of being thorny, either literally or metaphorically

📖 Cultural Story

Originates from Old English 'þorniġ', related to 'thorn'. Used literally for plants since Old English times, and metaphorically for difficult problems since the 16th century.

Meaning 2：having thorns (thorny)

thorny 🔊

/ˈθɔːrni/

adj.

Having sharp, pointy growths on stems or branches, like a rose bush.

Thorny plant close-up showing a rose stem with sharp, pointed thorns.

having thorns 🔊

➕

/ˈhævɪŋ θɔːrnz/

adj.

Describing plants or objects that possess sharp, pointy projections similar to thorns.

📁 Category：Botany Research 🔖 Level：Beginner

📘 Details & Usage

📖 Example

Be careful when you walk near that thorny bush, or you might scratch your leg. 🔊 Exercise caution when walking near that bush with thorns to avoid scratching your leg.

🔗 Collocations

thorny bush – a bush that has thorns

thorny plant – a plant equipped with thorns

thorny stem – a stem covered in thorns

🔄 Synonyms

prickly (adj.) – having sharp points that can prick the skin

spiky (adj.) – having many spikes or sharp points

barbed (adj.) – having barbs or sharp projections

🚫 Antonyms

smooth (adj.) – having an even surface without projections

soft (adj.) – easy to mold, cut, or compress; not hard or rough

🌱 Derivatives

thorn (n.) – a sharp-pointed projection on a plant

thornless (adj.) – without thorns