fragilely
In brittle fashion
In a fragile manner—delicately, weakly, or with vulnerability to damage.
The adverb is rare; speakers typically rephrase: The vase sat precariously on the edge rather than The vase sat fragilely.
When it does appear, it usually describes something balanced or held in a tenuous state: The peace fragilely held through the winter months.
Without vigor or power
- weaklyWithout much force
- shakilyIn trembling manner
- unsteadilyWithout firmness or stability
- faintlyIn a weak manner
haltingly · flimsily · precariously · tenuously · tremulously · vulnerably · defenselessly · perilously
With uncertain manner
- timidlyIn fearful, hesitant fashion
- nervouslyIn an anxious manner
- anxiouslyIn a worried manner
- apprehensivelyWith fearful expectation
fearfully · uncertainly · warily · meekly · shyly · reservedly · reluctantly · diffidently
With wary caution
- cautiouslyIn a guarded manner
- carefullyWith deliberate attention
- tenderlyWith gentle care
- gentlyIn a mild manner
lightly · softly · delicately · daintily · gracefully · featherlight · subtly · sensitively
For a very short time
- transientlyFor a short time
- momentarilyFor a very short time
- temporarilyFor a limited time
- ephemerallyIn a short-lived manner
briefly · precariously · tenuously · unstably · impermanently
feebly
Without vigor or power
- weaklyWithout much force
- shakilyIn trembling manner
- unsteadilyWithout firmness or stability
faintly · haltingly · flimsily · precariously · tenuously · tremulously · vulnerably · defenselessly · perilously · riskily
hesitantly
With uncertain manner
apprehensively · fearfully · uncertainly · warily · meekly · shyly · reservedly · reluctantly · diffidently · uneasily
gingerly
With wary caution
- cautiouslyIn a guarded manner
- carefullyWith deliberate attention
- tenderlyWith gentle care
gently · lightly · softly · delicately · daintily · gracefully · featherlight · subtly · sensitively · airily
fleetingly
For a very short time
- transientlyFor a short time
- momentarilyFor a very short time
- temporarilyFor a limited time
ephemerally · briefly · precariously · tenuously · unstably · impermanently
fragilelypowerfully
With considerable strength
muscularly · forcefully · vigorously · athletically · mightily
- fragile egoEasily damaged self-esteem
- fragile ecosystemsEnvironments easily harmed by change
- fragile itemsObjects easily damaged
- fragile beautyLoveliness vulnerable to damage
- fragile X syndromeGenetic cause of cognitive impairment
- fragile goodsEasily damaged merchandise