Fragile Meaning

Meaning of Word

Fragile refers to something that is delicate, easily broken, or vulnerable. It can describe both physical objects and more abstract concepts like relationships or health.

Definitions and Meaning in English

• Fragile (adjective): Describing something that is delicate or easily damaged, broken, or hurt.
• Meaning in English: The term fragile is used to indicate that something is not sturdy, resistant, or durable and can be harmed, shattered, or ruined with little force. It is commonly applied to physical objects (e.g., glass, ceramics) and can also refer to situations or emotions (e.g., fragile health, fragile peace).

History and Origin

The word fragile comes from the Latin word “fragilis,” which means “easily broken” or “delicate,” derived from “frangere,” meaning “to break.” The use of fragile in English dates back to the late 16th century, initially to describe objects that could easily break. Over time, it expanded to describe anything that could be harmed, including health or relationships.

Detailed Explanation

The word fragile typically refers to things that lack physical robustness or strength, making them susceptible to damage or destruction. Common examples include objects like glass, porcelain, or thin plastic, which are easily broken under pressure. The term can also be used metaphorically to describe people, situations, or even emotions that are delicate or vulnerable.

• Physical fragility: Objects that are fragile may break if dropped or mishandled. For instance, “The fragile vase shattered when it fell.”
• Emotional fragility: A person described as fragile may be emotionally vulnerable, sensitive, or prone to stress. For example, “After the loss, her emotional state became fragile.”
• Health fragility: Describing someone’s health as fragile suggests they are in a weakened or vulnerable condition. For example, “He has fragile health and needs constant care.”

In many cases, fragile implies that something needs to be handled with care to avoid damage or harm.

Example Sentences

1. The fragile glass figurine broke when it fell from the shelf.
2. After the surgery, his health was still fragile, and he needed to rest.
3. The peace agreement was fragile, and any small provocation could lead to conflict.
4. She has a fragile temperament and tends to get upset easily.
5. The fragile flowers wilted after just a few hours without water.
6. He handed me the fragile box carefully, knowing it contained delicate items.
7. The situation in the country is still fragile, with tensions running high.
8. Her fragile health means she must avoid any strenuous activities.
9. The fragile relationship between the two countries could be broken by a single mistake.

Synonyms with Short Explanation

1. Delicate – Something that is fragile and easily harmed, often used for objects or people that need careful handling.
2. Brittle – Describes something that is prone to breaking or cracking under stress, like glass or ice.
3. Weak – Can refer to something that lacks strength, including physical or emotional states, making it susceptible to damage.
4. Vulnerable – Describes something that is exposed to harm or danger, often used metaphorically for emotional or physical fragility.
5. Tenuous – Refers to something that is weak, slight, or fragile, often used to describe a situation or connection.

Related Words with Short Explanation

1. Breakable – Capable of being broken, similar to fragile, but more focused on physical objects.
2. Sensitive – Can describe both physical objects that are easily damaged and people who are easily affected emotionally.
3. Feeble – Describes something lacking in strength, similar to fragile but often used for health or strength.
4. Ethereal – Refers to something delicate or light, often used to describe a fragile, otherworldly beauty.
5. Flimsy – Describes something that is thin, weak, or easily damaged, often used for objects or arguments.

More Matches with Short Explanation

1. Fractured – Refers to something that is broken or cracked, closely related to fragile in the context of physical damage.
2. Soft – While not always fragile, something soft can be delicate and easily damaged, similar to fragile objects.
3. Tender – Often used to describe something soft or sensitive, much like fragile emotions or situations.
4. Frail – Used to describe people who are physically weak and delicate, often linked to fragility.
5. Shaky – Refers to something unsteady or vulnerable, like a shaky relationship or a fragile foundation.

Antonyms

1. Sturdy – Describes something strong and durable, able to withstand pressure or damage, the opposite of fragile.
2. Robust – Refers to something strong and healthy, capable of enduring stress or difficulty, in contrast to fragile.
3. Tough – Used to describe something resistant to breaking or damage, unlike fragile objects or situations.
4. Resilient – Describes something or someone that can recover quickly from difficulty or adversity, unlike fragile conditions.
5. Hardy – Refers to something or someone able to withstand harsh conditions, the opposite of being fragile or vulnerable.