What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sensitive
Example
She's a very sensitive person and gets upset easily. [sensitive: adjective]
Example
The camera equipment is very sensitive to moisture and needs to be handled with care. [sensitive: adjective]
Example
We need to be sensitive when discussing the topic of mental health. [sensitive: adjective]
fragile
Example
The vase is very fragile, so be careful when you move it. [fragile: adjective]
Example
He's still recovering from his illness and is quite fragile at the moment. [fragile: adjective]
Example
Their relationship is very fragile and could easily be damaged by a misunderstanding. [fragile: adjective]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Fragile is more commonly used than sensitive in everyday language. Fragile is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while sensitive is less common and often used in specific contexts such as mental health or environmental sensitivity.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sensitive and fragile?
Both sensitive and fragile can be used in formal and informal contexts. However, sensitive may be more commonly used in professional or academic settings, while fragile may be more commonly used in everyday conversation.