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Delicacy: meaning, definitions and examples

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delicacy

 

[ ˈdɛlɪkəsi ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

food

Delicacy refers to a choice or expensive food item, especially a rare or exotic one. It can also mean a highly desirable or pleasing food, something that is considered a luxury or treat.

Synonyms

gourmet food, luxury food, treat

Examples of usage

  • She enjoyed the delicacy of caviar at the fancy restaurant.
  • Truffles are a culinary delicacy highly sought after by chefs around the world.
Context #2 | Noun

sensitivity

Delicacy can also refer to sensitivity or fineness in texture, construction, or detail. It can describe something that requires careful handling or treatment.

Synonyms

fragility, precision, sensitivity

Examples of usage

  • The delicate fabric of the dress required special care when washing.
  • He handled the antique vase with great delicacy to avoid damaging it.

Translations

Translations of the word "delicacy" in other languages:

🇵🇹 iguaria

🇮🇳 नाज़ुक चीज़

🇩🇪 Delikatesse

🇮🇩 kelezatan

🇺🇦 делікатес

🇵🇱 delikates

🇯🇵 珍味 (chinmi)

🇫🇷 délicatesse

🇪🇸 delicia

🇹🇷 lezzet

🇰🇷 진미 (jinmi)

🇸🇦 طعام شهي

🇨🇿 lahůdka

🇸🇰 lahôdka

🇨🇳 美味 (měiwèi)

🇸🇮 poslastica

🇮🇸 lostæti

🇰🇿 дәмді тағам

🇬🇪 დელიკატესი

🇦🇿 ləzzət

🇲🇽 delicia

Etymology

The word 'delicacy' originated in the late 17th century from the Latin word 'delicatia', meaning delight or pleasure. Over the centuries, it evolved to encompass both the sense of fine or luxurious food as well as sensitivity or fragility in various contexts.

See also: delicately, delicateness, delicatessen, indelicate.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #10,070, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.