Cool MateFeeble vs Fragile
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Feeble
Top 2,000 (common)B1adjective
Fragile
Top 2,000 (common)C1adjective
| Feeble | Fragile | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //ˈfiːbəl//🇺🇸 //ˈfiːbəl// | 🇬🇧 //ˈfrædʒ.aɪl//🇺🇸 //ˈfrædʒaɪl// |
| Meaning | Very weak or not strong | Easily broken or damaged. |
| Example | The feeble branches swayed in the light breeze. | The fragile vase shattered into pieces when it fell off the shelf. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | C1 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Collocations | feeble attempt, feeble excuse, feeble health, feeble light | fragile glass, fragile state, fragile peace |
| Antonyms | strong, powerful, robust, sturdy | sturdy, durable, strong |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'weak' but 'feeble' implies even less strength., Used to describe objects instead of people or actions., Mistaken to mean 'faint' or 'dim', which have different contexts. | Confused with 'fragility' which is the noun form., Overly general use; 'fragile' should be specific, not applied to strong or resistant items., Using 'fragile' to describe abstract concepts without clarity. |
| Usage notes | Use 'feeble' to describe physical weakness or lack of strength, often in a negative context. It's not used for strong, positive descriptions. | Used to describe objects that are delicate. In more emotional contexts, can denote vulnerability. Avoid in informal or slang settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Feeble vs Fragile
What's the difference between Feeble and Fragile?
Feeble: Very weak or not strong Fragile: Easily broken or damaged.
Which is more advanced: Feeble and Fragile?
Fragile is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Feeble and Fragile the same CEFR level?
Feeble: B1, Fragile: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Feeble and Fragile?
Feeble: adjective, Fragile: adjective.
Can you show an example of each?
Feeble: The feeble branches swayed in the light breeze. Fragile: The fragile vase shattered into pieces when it fell off the shelf.
Can I use Feeble and Fragile interchangeably?
Not always. Feeble and Fragile are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.