Frail
/freɪl/
Definitions
2 meaningsHaving the physical strength to easily break or get injured; weak or delicate in health.
/freɪl/
Physically weak or delicate
The child was frail after battling a long illness.
💡 Simply: Imagine a really old, delicate glass that might break if you bump it - that's how someone frail might feel physically. They're not very strong, and things can easily hurt them or make them sick.
👶 For kids: Being frail is like being easy to break or hurt, like a very thin stick or an old, old person.
More Examples
Her frail health prevented her from traveling.
The old house was frail, and the wind threatened to tear it down.
The sculptor made a frail paper lantern.
How It's Used
"The elderly woman was frail and needed assistance with walking."
"The antique vase was so frail that it shattered when it fell."
Having a weakness of moral character.
/freɪl/
Easily tempted to do wrong.
Her frail resolve crumbled under the pressure.
💡 Simply: Think of a person who's easily tempted to do something they know isn't right. Like a person with a sweet tooth who always grabs a candy, despite trying to diet - their willpower might be frail in that moment.
👶 For kids: Sometimes, frail can mean it's easy for someone to make mistakes or do things they shouldn't.
More Examples
The novel explores the frailties of the human spirit.
We are all frail creatures subject to temptation.
He knew his willpower was frail when it came to resisting sweets.
How It's Used
"Human nature is frail and prone to temptation."
"Recognizing our frailties helps us empathize with others."
From Middle English 'freel', 'freel', from Old French 'fraile' (weak, fragile), from Latin 'fragilis' (easily broken).
Used since the 13th century to describe physical weakness or vulnerability.
Memory tip
Think of a fragile item easily damaged.
Word Origin
"fragilis (easily broken)"