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Indelicate Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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indelicate

[ˌɪnˈdɛlɪkət ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adjective

behavior

Lacking propriety or good taste; indecent or offensive.

Synonyms

crude, indecent, offensive, vulgar.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indelicate

Used to describe something that is slightly improper or not polite, especially in conversation or actions that might be seen as embarrassing or uncomfortable.

  • His indelicate comments made everyone at the table cringe.
  • She made an indelicate joke that wasn't appropriate for the occasion.
indecent

Refers to actions, behaviors, or expressions that are morally or socially improper, often with a strong connotation of being inappropriate or offensive.

  • Wearing such indecent clothing in a workplace is not acceptable.
  • He was fined for making indecent gestures in public.
offensive

Used to describe actions, language, or behavior that is deeply insulting or hurtful, often intentionally so. It conveys strong negative emotions.

  • Her offensive remarks about the cultural differences caused outrage.
  • Using racial slurs is highly offensive and unacceptable.
vulgar

Characterizes something that is coarse, crude, and lacking sophistication or good taste, especially in matters of language and behavior; often deemed socially unacceptable.

  • His vulgar jokes were not suitable for a family dinner.
  • The movie was criticized for its vulgar language and scenes.
crude

Describes behavior or language that is raw, unrefined, and lacking in tact, often with an element of rudeness or vulgarity.

  • The comedian's crude humor offended some members of the audience.
  • His crude remarks showed a lack of respect for the office environment.

Examples of usage

  • Her indelicate jokes made everyone uncomfortable.
  • The indelicate comments at the dinner party caused a lot of embarrassment.
Context #2 | Adjective

action

Lacking delicacy or refinement; rough or coarse.

Synonyms

coarse, crude, rough, unrefined.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
indelicate

Best used when referring to something that lacks sensitivity or subtlety; it may be seen as offensive or inappropriate in social situations.

  • His indelicate comments about her dress made everyone uncomfortable.
  • Discussing salaries in a mixed group can be considered indelicate.
rough

Can refer to something physically coarse or rugged, or metaphorically to someone's behavior that is not gentle or sophisticated.

  • The road was too rough for a regular car to pass.
  • He had a rough upbringing, which shaped his tough personality.
coarse

Appropriate when describing something that lacks refinement or sophistication; often refers to texture or behavior.

  • Her coarse manners embarrassed her at the formal dinner.
  • The fabric felt coarse and rough on my skin.
unrefined

Typically implies a lack of sophistication, politeness, or cultural development; used both about people and materials.

  • Her unrefined speech made it clear that she was not used to high society.
  • Unrefined oil needs to be processed before it can be used.
crude

Used for something that is unrefined or raw, particularly in manners, language, or materials; often has a negative connotation.

  • His crude jokes did not amuse anyone.
  • The house was built with crude tools and minimal planning.

Examples of usage

  • He handled the fragile vase with such indelicate hands that it broke.
  • The indelicate manner in which he spoke to the staff offended many.

Translations

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

Origin of 'indelicate'

The word 'indelicate' originated in the late 18th century, derived from the Latin word 'indelicatus', meaning 'unaffected, free'. Over time, its meaning evolved to connote a lack of propriety or refinement. The term has been used in English literature and conversation to describe behavior or actions that are considered inappropriate or offensive.

See also: delicacy, delicately, delicateness, delicatessen.

Word Frequency Rank

This word's position of #30,368 indicates it's among the more rare English words. While understanding it broadens your vocabulary, focus on more common words first.