Frail

Podcast 1 · Introduction

Frail

A documentary-style narration: origin, meaning, and feel.

Part of speech

adjective and noun

Pronunciation

frayl  /freɪl/

Definition

As an adjective: weak and delicate; easily damaged or broken; (of a person) not physically strong, especially through age or illness. As a noun (archaic): a rush basket.

Plain meaning

Frail means physically weak and delicate — fragile in body, easily harmed. Often used of elderly people or of things that are light and easily broken.

Register

Neutral and everyday. Carries a note of sympathy when applied to people. Slightly literary when applied to abstract things.