Definition

1. Adjective:

   • Physically weak or delicate: Describes a person or thing that is not strong, is easily broken, or is in poor health.
   • Morally or emotionally weak: Describes a person who lacks strength of character, willpower, or resistance to temptation.
   • Easily damaged or insubstantial: Describes something that is fragile, flimsy, or not durable.

2. Noun:

   • A basket for holding dried fruit: A specific type of basket, traditionally used for items like raisins or figs.
   • A unit of weight: A measure of weight for dried fruit, equivalent to the amount a frail basket holds (historically between 50 and 75 pounds).

Usage Examples

• Adjective:

  • After her illness, she was too frail to leave the house. (Describing physical weakness)
  • The bridge looked frail and unsafe. (Describing structural fragility)
  • He admitted to being frail and giving in to peer pressure. (Describing moral weakness)

• Noun:

  • The merchant sold raisins by the frail. (Referring to the unit of weight)
  • She carried a frail full of figs to the market. (Referring to the basket)

Advanced Usage

• "the frailties of human nature": This phrase refers to the inherent moral and physical weaknesses shared by all people.
  • The novel explores the frailties of human nature.
• Used in a literary or philosophical context to contrast human weakness with concepts of divinity, perfection, or strength.
  • We must forgive the frailties of our fellow men.

Variants and Related Words

• Frailty (noun): The condition of being frail, weak, or delicate.
  • Old age is often accompanied by frailty.
• Frailness (noun): A less common synonym for frailty.

Synonyms

• Adjective (Physical): Fragile, delicate, weak, feeble, infirm, flimsy.
• Adjective (Moral): Weak-willed, susceptible, fallible.
• Noun (Basket): Hamper, pannier.

Antonyms

• Adjective: Strong, sturdy, robust, resilient, tough.

Related Phrases

• "Frail craft": Often used to describe a small, fragile boat or vessel.
  • They crossed the lake in a frail craft.
• "Frail happiness": Describes a state of joy that is delicate and easily lost.
  • They clung to their frail happiness in difficult times.

Adjective

1. easily broken or damaged or destroyed
   • a kite too delicate to fly safely
   • fragile porcelain plates
   • fragile old bones
   • a frail craft
2. wanting in moral strength, courage, or will; having the attributes of man as opposed to e.g. divine beings
   • I'm only a fallible human
   • frail humanity
3. physically weak
   • an invalid's frail body

Noun

1. a basket for holding dried fruit (especially raisins or figs)
2. the weight of a frail (basket) full of raisins or figs; between 50 and 75 pounds