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What is the difference between ‘fragile’ and ‘frail’?
Both words come from the Latin ‘fragilis’ meaning ‘easily broken’. The word ‘fragile’ can be used with both things and people. When you say that the contents of a box are fragile, it means that the things inside are rather delicate and can be easily broken. The contents need to be handled with care. When used with people, the word means physically or emotionally weak.
‘Frail’ is used with people, usually old, who are in poor health. When used with things, it refers to objects which can be easily damaged.