fragile

Everyday

1. Fragile means easily broken or damaged. tree →
2. Fragile can describe a person who is weak, ill or easily upset. tree →
3. Something fragile, like peace or nature, can easily be harmed. tree →

In the lessons

In everyday life parcels marked «Fragile» must be handled gently: glass, eggs, china. In science fragile ecosystems such as coral reefs are easily harmed by pollution. In stories a fragile old lady or a fragile butterfly wing. Phrases: fragile glass, handle with care, fragile environment.

Examples

• Be careful, the vase is fragile. tree →
• The box said «Fragile — handle with care». tree →
• Eggs are fragile. tree →
• A butterfly's wings are very fragile. tree →
• Coral reefs are fragile places. tree →
• Grandma felt fragile after her illness. tree →
• The ice on the pond is too fragile to walk on. tree →
• The elder brothers carried in baskets two such tiny, fragile dogs that they hardly dared to touch them. tree →

Note

Pronounced FRAJ-ile (UK, with «-ile» like «aisle») or FRAJ-ul (US). Opposite: strong, sturdy, tough. Noun: fragility. Safety: thin ice is fragile — never walk on frozen ponds.