Fragile: meaning, definitions and examples

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fragile

[ˈfrædʒaɪl ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

handle with care

easily broken, damaged, or destroyed; delicate

Synonyms

brittle, delicate, frail.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fragile	Used to describe something that can easily be broken or damaged, often used for items made of glass, ceramics, or thin material. Handle the vase carefully; it is very fragile. The antique clock is fragile and needs to be shipped with care.
delicate	Refers to something that is both fragile in terms of physical strength and exquisite or fine in nature, often used for intricate items, fine fabric, or sensitive situations. The lace on the wedding dress was incredibly delicate. We need to handle this negotiation with delicate care.
brittle	Describes something that is hard but can easily break or shatter into small pieces, often used for materials like candy, bone, or dry wood. Typically carries a slightly negative connotation. The old bones were brittle and broke with little pressure. She bit into the brittle candy, which snapped easily.
frail	Commonly used to describe people or living beings, particularly the elderly or those in poor health who are weak and easily injured. Carries a somewhat negative connotation. The elderly woman appeared frail and needed assistance walking. His health was frail after the long illness.

Examples of usage

The fragile glass ornaments should be packed carefully.
She has a fragile health condition and needs to be cautious.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

personality traits

a person who is not very strong or determined

Synonyms

sensitive, vulnerable, weak.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
fragile	Typically used to describe objects that can easily break or be damaged. It can also describe a delicate or sensitive situation. The antique vase is very fragile, so handle it with care. The peace agreement is fragile and could collapse at any moment.
weak	Describes a lack of strength, either physically, emotionally, or structurally. It can have a negative connotation when referring to someone's character or resilience. After the surgery, she felt weak and needed time to recover. His argument was weak and failed to convince anyone.
vulnerable	Refers to the state of being exposed to the possibility of harm, either physically or emotionally. It can describe people, systems, or situations. The community is vulnerable to natural disasters due to its location. He opened up to her, feeling vulnerable yet hopeful.
sensitive	Used to describe someone or something that is easily affected by external factors. It can pertain to emotions, health conditions, or specific situations. Be careful with her; she's very sensitive to criticism. The patient's skin is sensitive to sunlight.

Examples of usage

He was considered a fragile in the face of adversity.
Don't underestimate her, she may seem fragile but she's resilient.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin term 'fragilis', which means 'easily broken'.
In Old French, it became 'fragile' before entering the English language around the 15th century.

Science

Materials like glass and porcelain are considered fragile because they have low tensile strength.
In biological terms, certain species of animals and plants are fragile due to their sensitive ecosystems or limited habitats.

Literature

In poetry and prose, the concept of fragility often symbolizes vulnerability and the transient nature of life.
Writers frequently use fragile objects to evoke emotions, portraying them as metaphors for human experiences or relationships.

Psychology

Individuals might describe their mental health as fragile during tough times, indicating a state of emotional sensitivity.
The concept of fragility in psychology can reflect a person's stress tolerance and coping mechanisms.

Pop Culture

The term 'fragile' often appears in songs and movies to highlight themes of vulnerability and emotional depth.
A famous example is the song 'Fragile' by Sting, which discusses the delicate nature of human life.

Translations

Translations of the word "fragile" in other languages:

🇵🇹 frágil

🇮🇳 नाज़ुक

🇩🇪 zerbrechlich

🇮🇩 rapuh

🇺🇦 крихкий

🇵🇱 kruchy

🇯🇵 壊れやすい (koware yasui)

🇫🇷 fragile

🇪🇸 frágil

🇹🇷 kırılgan

🇰🇷 깨지기 쉬운 (kkaejigi swiun)

🇸🇦 هش

🇨🇿 křehký

🇸🇰 krehký

🇨🇳 易碎的 (yì suì de)

🇸🇮 krhek

🇮🇸 viðkvæmur

🇰🇿 морт

🇬🇪 მყიფე

🇦🇿 kövrək

🇲🇽 frágil

Word Frequency Rank

Position #8,733 indicates this is an advanced-level word. While not essential for basic communication, it will enhance your ability to understand and create more nuanced content.

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8730 foreclosure
8731 diplomacy
8732 builder
8733 fragile
8734 deceived
8735 axle
8736 endeavoured
...