Definition

Having thistles or resembling thistles; prickly or thorny in nature.

Example

The thistly bushes made it difficult to walk through the garden.

Conversation

I was hiking yesterday and came across a really thistly area.

Oh no, that sounds painful! Did you get hurt?

Just a few scratches, but I had to be careful walking through it.

Next time, maybe stick to the clearer paths!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Thistly is derived from "thistle" (from Old English "þistel", meaning a prickly plant) and the suffix "-ly" (meaning in a manner of). The word "thistly" describes something that is characteristic of or resembles a thistle, often implying prickliness or sharpness.

Memory Tip

Imagine a plant that is 'prickly' like a thistle — that's what 'thistly' means, something that has the qualities of a thistle.

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