Word: Vulnerable
Part of Speech: Adjective
Definition: The word "vulnerable" means being open to harm, injury, or attack. It can refer to physical harm, emotional hurt, or being easily influenced or affected by something.
Usage Instructions: You can use "vulnerable" to describe people, animals, places, or even ideas that can be easily harmed or influenced. It often has a sense of being exposed or not protected.
Examples: 1. Physical Vulnerability: "After the storm, many houses in the area were vulnerable to flooding." 2. Emotional Vulnerability: "She felt vulnerable sharing her feelings with someone she just met." 3. Intellectual Vulnerability: "His argument was vulnerable to criticism because it lacked strong evidence."
Advanced Usage: In more complex discussions, "vulnerable" can be used in contexts like psychology, sociology, or even political discussions, where groups or systems are susceptible to threats or challenges.
Word Variants: - Noun: Vulnerability (e.g., "The vulnerability of the software made it easy for hackers to access.") - Adverb: Vulnerably (e.g., "He spoke vulnerably about his past struggles.")
Different Meaning:While "vulnerable" primarily refers to being able to be harmed, it can also describe a state of openness that allows for growth and connection, as in emotional vulnerability in relationships.
Synonyms: - Exposed - Defenseless - Susceptible - Weak - Sensitive
Idioms:There aren't common idioms specifically using "vulnerable," but phrases like "to let one's guard down" can imply being in a vulnerable state.
Phrasal Verbs:There are no specific phrasal verbs that use "vulnerable," but you might encounter phrases like "open up," which can relate to being emotionally vulnerable.
Conclusion: When using "vulnerable," think about situations where someone or something can be easily harmed or influenced.