Understanding the Phrase: Liable to Break Easily

The question asks us to select the word that means the same as the group of words "liable to break easily". This phrase describes something that is likely to break or snap with relatively little force or impact. We need to look at the options provided and find the one that best fits this description.

Analyzing the Vocabulary Options

Let's examine each option:

• Brittle: This word is used to describe materials that are hard but liable to break or shatter easily. When stress is applied, they tend to fracture rather than bend or deform. Examples include glass, ceramics, and dry twigs.
• Soft: This word describes something that is easy to mold, cut, compress, or is not hard or firm. Soft materials are typically not prone to breaking, though they might tear or change shape easily.
• Bent: This word describes something that has been forced or twisted out of its original shape. Being bent describes a condition, not necessarily the property of breaking easily, although a bent object might be weakened.
• Thin: This word describes something that has a small distance between opposite sides. While thin objects might break easily, being thin itself is a dimension, not directly the property of being liable to break easily (a thin piece of rubber might not break easily, but a thin piece of glass would).

Comparing the definitions, the word that most accurately captures the meaning of "liable to break easily" is brittle.

Conclusion on Vocabulary Meaning

Based on the analysis of the options, the word brittle directly means liable to break easily. The other options describe different properties or states.

Revision Table: Understanding Vocabulary

Additional Information: Synonyms for Breaking Easily

Words and phrases related to breaking easily help describe materials and objects. Understanding these terms is key to strong vocabulary. Here are a few related concepts:

• Fragile: Easily broken or damaged. Often used for items that need careful handling.
• Delicate: Easily broken or damaged; requiring careful handling; also fine in texture or structure.
• Breakable: Capable of being broken.
• Friable: Easily crumbled (often used for soil or rocks).

While "fragile" and "delicate" are close in meaning to "brittle" as they also indicate something breaks easily, "brittle" specifically often implies a lack of flexibility alongside hardness, leading to snapping or shattering.