Fragile

Pronunciation

• IPA: /ˈfrædÊ’aɪl/
• US IPA: /ˈfrædʒɪl/

Origin

From Middle French fragile, from Latin fragilis, formed on frag-, the root of frangere ("to break"). Cognate with frail, fraction, fracture.

Full definition of fragile

Adjective

1. Easily broken or destroyed, and thus often of subtle or intricate structure.The chemist synthesizes a fragile molecule.The UN tries to maintain the fragile peace process in the region.He is a very fragile person and gets easily depressed.

Synonyms

• friable
• breakly

Derived terms

• fragilely

Related terms

• fractal
• fraction
• fractional
• fracture
• fragility
• frail
• frailty
• frangible