Definition

Having a texture or appearance similar to that of paper, often thin and fragile.

Example

The leaves of the plant were papery and delicate, easily torn by the wind.

Conversation

I just got this new notebook, but the cover feels so papery.

Really? That sounds interesting!

Yeah, I'm not sure if it will hold up over time because it's so papery.

I guess you'll have to be careful with it then.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Papery → It is formed from "paper" (from Latin *papyrus*, meaning a writing material made from the pith of the papyrus plant) and "-y" (a suffix used to form adjectives indicating a characteristic). The word "papery" describes something that has the characteristics or qualities of paper.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'paper' which refers to a thin material used for writing, and remember that 'papery' means something that resembles or has qualities of paper.

Visually Confused Words