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fragile

frag·ile [ frájjəl ]


adjective 
Definition:
 
1. easily broken: not having a strong structure or not made of robust materials, and therefore easily broken or damaged
too fragile to be used as toys

2. not secure: unlikely to withstand any severe stresses and strains
a fragile peace

3. physically weak: in a weak bodily condition, usually as a result of illness
in fragile health

[15th century. Directly or via French< Latin fragilis< source of frangere "break"]

frag·ile·ly adverb
fra·gil·i·ty [ frə jíllətee ] noun

Word Key: Synonyms
fragile, delicate, frail, flimsy
CORE MEANING: easily broken or damaged

fragile not having a strong structure or not made of robust materials, and therefore easily broken or damaged;
protected by a fragile wooden structure
an ecologically fragile area
delicate having a fine, often beautiful, structure that is easily damaged or broken;
a delicate lace fabric
delicate foliage
frail made of weak or delicate materials and easy to break or damage, or not secure, or physically weak and vulnerable to injury;
separated by a frail wooden barrier
a frail economy
a frail elderly relative
flimsy weak and too easily broken, or thin and easily torn;
huddled under flimsy shelters
a flimsy coat
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