flinty

[flin-tee]

adjective

flintier, flintiest 

1. composed of, containing, or resembling flint, especially in hardness.

2. unyielding; unmerciful; obdurate.

   a flinty heart.

flinty

/ ˈflɪntɪ /

adjective

1. of, relating to, or resembling flint

2. hard or cruel; obdurate; unyielding

Other Word Forms

• flintily adverb
• flintiness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of flinty¹

First recorded in 1530–40; flint + -y ¹

Example Sentences

No. But he’s the symbol of Springsteen here, and he captures the star’s flinty gaze and rock ‘n’ roll rasp while performing the songs, bringing his own intense soulfulness to the role.

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Neither is he the flinty survivor or gruff hero playing God that other medical dramas love to hold up.

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The songs had a flinty exterior and a troubled tone.

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Gene Hackman, the Oscar-winning actor who brought a flinty menace to films such as “Bonnie and Clyde,” “The French Connection” and “Unforgiven” was found dead Wednesday along with his wife in New Mexico, authorities said.

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Peake’s staid and knowing portrayal stands in contrast and complement to that of Petticrew, whose resolute manner vacillates between a flinty swagger and true anguish.

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Related Words

• steely 
• stony