Frail for Dummies

Frail is a word that we often use to describe something or someone that is delicate or weak. When we say something is frail, it means that it doesn't have much strength or durability. It's like a house of cards that can fall apart with just a slight touch. Think about a thin glass that can easily break if it falls on the ground. That delicate glass is considered frail because it lacks the toughness or sturdiness that would make it more durable.

Now, let's delve into some specific examples to help you understand it better. Imagine a frail old man who needs assistance even with simple tasks like walking or lifting things. His body is not as strong as it used to be. In this case, frail refers to his physical weakness and vulnerability. It's almost like his body is delicate and needs extra care because it lacks the strength and resilience it once had.

On the other hand, we can also use the word frail to describe something that is not physically weak but rather delicate or easily damaged. Imagine you have a fragile ceramic vase that you love. It's beautiful, but because it's so delicate, you have to handle it with extreme care. Even the slightest bump or a small fall could cause it to break into pieces. In this context, we would say the vase is frail because it lacks the sturdiness and toughness to withstand rough handling.

So, to sum it up, "frail" means being physically weak or delicate, lacking strength or durability, and easily damaged or broken. It can refer to a person's physical condition or to an object's characteristics. Just like a fragile glass or a feeble old man, something that is frail needs extra attention and care to prevent it from breaking or getting hurt.