that antique vase gently. It’s delicate,” the auctioneer shouted.
easily broken
Pottery is easily broken.
flimsy
In traditional Japanese houses the interior walls are often flimsy, almost see-through.
fragile
The label on the box read “Fragile”, but the camera within was damaged beyond repair.
break down VERB
When a machine or a vehicle breaks down, it stops working.
conk out INFORMAL
The motorcyclist looked helpless. “Give us a push please, mate. My bike’s conked out.”
fail
When the steam train failed, a diesel had to tow it back to the depot.
go wrong
“I just knew that fancy vacuum cleaner would go wrong,” Mum sighed.
seize up
Our lawn mower seized up when a twig got jammed in the blades.
break up VERB
If something breaks up, it comes apart.
disintegrate
Because of the explosion, the plane disintegrated in midair.
fall apart
My wonderful go-kart fell apart during its maiden trip.
breathless ADJECTIVE
If you are breathless, you are breathing very fast or with difficulty.
gasping
By the time we reached the ridge of the hill, we were gasping.
out of breath
My gran gets out of breath even when she bends down.
puffed out INFORMAL
After running for the train I was puffed out.
puffing and panting INFORMAL
By the end of the fathers’ race Dad was puffing and panting.
wheezing
The poor asthmatic girl was still wheezing even after using her inhaler.
bright (1) ADJECTIVE
Bright colours or things are strong and startling.
brilliant
The brilliant diamond glittered in the light.
dazzling
We stepped out into dazzling sunshine.
gleaming
I polished Dad’s car until it was gleaming.
glistening
The glistening dewdrop sat like a jewel on the leaf.
glittering
For the show, Mum made me a glittering dress with sequins all over.
glowing
The glowing fire lit the old cottage kitchen far into the night.
shimmering
The sun rose as the ship sailed out onto the shimmering sea.
shining
The shining stars lit up the night.
twinkling
From the opposite shore we could see the twinkling lights of the town.
vivid
The parrot’s feathers were vivid shades of red, green and blue.
ANTONYMS: dim or dull
bright (2) ADJECTIVE
Someone who is bright is clever.
clever
My aunt is clever. At antique fairs, she never misses a bargain.
intelligent
Collies are intelligent dogs and can understand many commands.
quick-witted
Reginald’s quick-witted action saved his house from burning down.
smart
People say I’m smart because I’m as quick as lightning at identifying pop songs.
bright (3) ADJECTIVE
Someone who is bright is cheerful.
cheerful
A cheerful manner is important if you are dealing with the public.
jolly
My grandpa is a jolly man who always seems to be smiling.
light-hearted
In our class, discussions are always light-hearted, never too serious.
lively
Mrs Fenkle is a lively teacher, who always makes lessons interesting.
brilliant (1) ADJECTIVE
A brilliant colour or light is extremely bright.
bright
The dentist shone a bright light into my mouth so he could see my teeth clearly.
dazzling
The magnificent ruby was a dazzling red.
sparkling
As the plane came in to land, we could see the sparkling city lights below.
brilliant (2) ADJECTIVE
Someone who is brilliant is extremely clever or skilful.
exceptional
