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frêle

frail

adjective FREHL Rare

Origin: Latin fragilis 'breakable', via Old French

Also means

slender

Usage Note

Frêle describes a person or thing that is slight and delicate, suggesting vulnerability rather than mere thinness. It is invariable in form — the same for masculine and feminine (un homme frêle, une femme frêle). Often used with a nuance of sympathy: une frêle silhouette ('a frail figure') evokes tenderness rather than criticism.

Examples

"Elle a une silhouette frêle mais élégante."

Natural Translation

She has a frail but elegant figure.

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