Delicate: meaning, definitions and examples

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delicate

[ ˈdɛlɪkət ]

^{Context #1}

touch

Easily broken or damaged; fragile.

Synonyms

fragile, frail, vulnerable

Examples of usage

The delicate glass ornaments should be handled with care.
Her delicate skin burned easily in the sun.

^{Context #2}

food

Subtle or fine in texture, quality, flavor, etc.

Synonyms

exquisite, fine, subtle

Examples of usage

The chef prepared a delicate sauce to accompany the fish.
The cake had a delicate crumb and a light, airy texture.

^{Context #3}

situation

Sensitively affecting the emotions; easily upset or offended.

Synonyms

sensitive, tender, touchy

Examples of usage

She was in a delicate state of mind after the breakup.
He handled the delicate situation with tact and diplomacy.

Translations

Translations of the word "delicate" in other languages:

🇵🇹 delicado

frágil
sensível

🇮🇳 नाजुक

कोमल
संवेदनशील

🇩🇪 zart

empfindlich
fein

🇮🇩 halus

rapuh
sensitif

🇺🇦 делікатний

тендітний
чутливий

🇵🇱 delikatny

kruchy
wrażliwy

🇯🇵 繊細

壊れやすい
敏感

🇫🇷 délicat

fragile
sensible

🇪🇸 delicado

frágil
sensible

🇹🇷 nazik

kırılgan
hassas

🇰🇷 섬세한

연약한
민감한

🇸🇦 حساس

هش
دقيق

🇨🇿 jemný

křehký
citlivý

🇸🇰 jemný

krehký
citlivý

🇨🇳 细腻

脆弱
敏感

🇸🇮 nežen

krhek
občutljiv

🇮🇸 viðkvæmur

brothættur
næmur

🇰🇿 нәзік

сынғыш
сезімтал

🇬🇪 მყიფე

დელიკატური
მგრძნობიარე

🇦🇿 zərif

kövrək
həssas

🇲🇽 delicado

frágil
sensible

Word origin

The word 'delicate' originated from the Latin word 'delicatus', meaning 'alluring, delightful, luxurious'. Over time, it evolved to encompass notions of fragility, subtlety, and sensitivity. 'Delicate' has been used in English since the 15th century to describe things that are easily damaged, need careful handling, or possess fine qualities. It has become a versatile adjective, capturing a range of nuances related to fragility, subtlety, and emotional sensitivity.