Definition

Describing something that is light and dry, often referring to plant material that is separated from the grain during harvesting.

Example

The farmer swept away the chaffy remains after the harvest.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

I tried that new cereal this morning, but it was kind of chaffy in texture.

Really? I hate when that happens with cereals.

Yeah, it felt like I was chewing on bits of straw.

Ugh, that sounds gross! I'll skip it then.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Chaffy is derived from "chaff" (from Old English "cæf", meaning the husks of grain) and the suffix "-y" (meaning characterized by). The word "chaffy" describes something that is characterized by or resembling chaff, often implying something of little value or worthlessness.

Memory Tip

Think of 'chaff' as the husks of grain that are not useful, and the '-y' means characterized by. So, 'chaffy' refers to something that is like chaff, often seen as having little value.

Visually Confused Words