Frêle

Frêle is a French adjective used to describe something or someone as delicate, slender, or fragile. It can refer to physical appearance, such as a person's build, or to the inherent nature of an object or situation. For instance, a young sapling might be described as frêle due to its thin and easily breakable stem. Similarly, a piece of delicate lace could be called frêle because of its fine threads and susceptibility to damage. The term often carries a sense of gracefulness or vulnerability.

In literature, the adjective frêle can be employed to evoke a particular mood or character trait. A character described as frêle might be perceived as weak or in need of protection, or conversely, as possessing a subtle strength derived from their resilience despite their apparent fragility. The word emphasizes a lack of robustness, suggesting a gentle or easily disrupted quality. It is a descriptor that highlights fineness and a certain susceptibility to external forces.