gracile

[ gras-il ]

adjective

1. gracefully slender.
2. slender; thin.

gracile

/ ˈɡræsaɪl; ɡræˈsɪlɪtɪ /

adjective

1. gracefully thin or slender
2. a less common word for graceful

Derived Forms

• gracility, noun

Other Words From

• gra·cil·i·ty [gra-, sil, -i-tee, gr, uh, -], gracile·ness noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of gracile¹

First recorded in 1615–25, gracile is from the Latin word gracilis slender, slight, thin

Word History and Origins

Origin of gracile¹

C17: from Latin gracilis slender

Example Sentences

Judging from its unique adaptations, this was a particularly gracile and innovative predator that possessed clawed digits primed for pouncing onto the backs of larger animals.

From New York Times

Bamforth also noted that the hand was "relatively slender and gracile" and may have mimicked the arm and hand of a small adult or adolescent.

From Fox News

This "big toe" is not only more gracile in chimpanzees, but it curves toward the other toes enabling a greater flexing motion.

From Scientific American

One gracile young warrior, who some researchers had previously speculated might be female, turned out to be male.

From Science Magazine

Brazil’s top star, Neymar, is a gracile wisp of murder, and France’s squad is, on paper, mercilessly stacked.

From The New Yorker

Related Words

• delicate
• fragile
• frail
• lanky
• lithe
• meager
• narrow
• skinny
• slight
• slim
• svelte
• wiry
• wispy