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Delicacy Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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delicacy

[หˆdษ›lษชkษ™si ]

Definitions

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
delicacy

Use when referring to a type of food that is considered rare, expensive, or distinctly fine in taste. Often used for culturally significant or special-occasion dishes.

  • Caviar is considered a delicacy in many countries.
  • The restaurant specializes in regional delicacies.
gourmet food

Use to describe food that is of high quality, beautifully prepared, and usually more expensive. It often refers to food that is part of upscale dining experiences.

  • She only buys gourmet food from specialized stores.
  • The chef prepared an exquisite gourmet meal for us.
luxury food

Use to describe food items that are lavish, often associated with wealth and high status. It emphasizes the expense and exclusivity of the food.

  • The event featured luxury foods like truffles and champagne.
  • He has a taste for luxury foods that most people can't afford.
treat

Use when referring to a food item that is enjoyed occasionally, often as a reward or pleasure. It can be something simple and doesn't necessarily have to be expensive or rare.

  • After a long week, she decided to have a chocolate cake as a treat.
  • He considers ice cream a special treat after his workouts.

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.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
delicacy

Used to describe something that is rare, special, or luxurious, often in the context of food or refined taste.

  • The restaurant is known for its seafood delicacies.
  • He appreciated the delicacy of the vintage wine.
fragility

Refers to the quality of being easily broken, damaged, or vulnerable. Often used to describe physical objects or emotional states.

  • The fragility of the glass vase made it difficult to transport.
  • Her emotional fragility was evident after the loss.
sensitivity

Can pertain to emotional awareness or the ability to detect or respond to small changes. It can be positive or negative depending on the context.

  • Her sensitivity to others' feelings made her a great counselor.
  • His skin's sensitivity required a special type of lotion.
precision

Describes accuracy and exactness, often in tasks that require careful attention to detail.

  • The engineerโ€™s precision in measurements ensured the success of the project.
  • Surgical procedures require a high degree of precision.

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

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Culinary Traditions

  • In many cultures, certain foods are considered delicacies, such as caviar in Russia or truffles in France.
  • Some delicacies are made from unusual ingredients, like insects or exotic plants, showcasing different cultural tastes.
  • Festivals around the world often highlight local delicacies, bringing people together to celebrate food.

Cultural Significance

  • In Japan, sushi is considered a delicacy and involves meticulous preparation and presentation.
  • In Italy, the famous dish 'risotto' can also be viewed as a delicacy, celebrated for its creamy texture and rich flavor.
  • Delicacies can vary greatly between regions, with specific dishes tied to local resources and traditions.

Health and Nutrition

  • Some delicacies are not just tasty but also packed with nutrients, like seaweed, a delicacy in many Asian cuisines.
  • The concept of 'delicacy' can also refer to foods that are easily digestible, often important for those with particular health needs.
  • Delicacies may sometimes be less healthy, like fried or sugary treats; balance is key!

Pop Culture

  • In movies and TV shows, enjoying a delicacy often symbolizes luxury or celebration, like a fancy cake at a wedding.
  • Cookbooks and culinary shows frequently feature delicacies, encouraging home cooks to explore new flavors.
  • Social media has popularized many global delicacies, allowing people to enjoy and share them virtually.

Origin of 'delicacy'

Main points about word origin

  • The word 'delicacy' comes from the Latin word 'delicatus', which means 'delicate' or 'luxurious'.
  • In the late Middle Ages, 'delicacy' referred to anything pleasing to the senses, not just food.
  • The term has evolved to mean special foods that showcase a culture's unique flavors and textures.

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.