Definition

More difficult or complicated than something else, often referring to a situation or problem that has many challenges or obstacles.

Example

The negotiations became thornier as both sides refused to compromise.

Comparatives & Superlatives

Conversation

Have you ever noticed how some plants are thornier than others?

Yeah, I have! It makes gardening a bit tricky sometimes.

Right? I just got pricked by a thornier rose bush yesterday.

Ouch! Those can be really painful if you're not careful.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Thornier → It is formed from "thorn" (from Old English "þorn", meaning a sharp, pointed growth on a plant) and "-ier" (a comparative suffix indicating more of a quality). The word "thornier" means having more thorns or being more prickly than something else.

Memory Tip

Think of a 'thorn' as a sharp point on a plant, and when something is 'thornier', it means it has more of those sharp points, making it pricklier.

Visually Confused Words