Meaning & Definition of Delicate in English
English⟶
Delicate
/dɛləkət/
adjective
1. Exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing
- Susceptible to injury
- "A delicate violin passage"
- "Delicate china"
- "A delicate flavor"
- "The delicate wing of a butterfly"
synonym:
- delicate
2. Marked by great skill especially in meticulous technique
- "A surgeon's delicate touch"
synonym:
- delicate
3. Easily broken or damaged or destroyed
- "A kite too delicate to fly safely"
- "Fragile porcelain plates"
- "Fragile old bones"
- "A frail craft"
synonym:
- delicate,
- fragile,
- frail
4. Easily hurt
- "Soft hands"
- "A baby's delicate skin"
synonym:
- delicate,
- soft
5. Developed with extreme delicacy and subtlety
- "The satire touches with finespun ridicule every kind of human pretense"
synonym:
- finespun,
- delicate
6. Difficult to handle
- Requiring great tact
- "Delicate negotiations with the big powers"
- "Hesitates to be explicit on so ticklish a matter"
- "A touchy subject"
synonym:
- delicate,
- ticklish,
- touchy
7. Of an instrument or device
- Capable of registering minute differences or changes precisely
- "Almost undetectable with even the most delicate instruments"
synonym:
- delicate
Examples of using
That girl has very delicate features.
Happiness is a delicate flower.
That was a very delicate situation.