Fragile

easyNegative tone

FRAJ-ul

adjective

Definition

Easily broken or damaged; delicate

Memory hook

FRAG-ile: can be broken into FRAGMENTS - handle with care or it shatters!

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Word roots

frangereto break(Latin)

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Examples

Handle the fragile glassware with care.
The peace agreement was fragile and could collapse at any moment.

Test yourself

Fill in the blank with the right word:

Handle the ______ glassware with care.
Show answer

fragile

Synonyms

delicatebrittlefrailbreakable

Antonyms

Categories

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GRE Tip

Fragile is a easy-difficulty GRE word. On the GRE, you might see it paired with synonyms like "delicate" or "brittle" in Sentence Equivalence questions. Look for contrast clues (however, despite, although) that signal the opposite meaning. Words like "robust".

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