delicate

/ˈdɛlɪkət/

Say it: DEL-i-kit

1. adjective Easily broken, damaged, or injured; not strong or robust.
The antique lace was so delicate that it tore when I touched it.
2. adjective Requiring careful handling, tact, or skill to avoid causing offense or problems.
Telling your boss their idea is bad is a very delicate situation.
3. adjective Fine in texture, quality, or construction; exquisitely detailed.
The watch's mechanism was a delicate arrangement of tiny gears and springs.
4. adjective Subtle and pleasant in a way that is not overwhelming, such as a color, flavor, or scent.
The white wine had a delicate floral aroma.

📖 Seen in the wild

The diplomat handled the delicate negotiations with extreme caution.
collected by @vocablast

✏️ delicate in a sentence

She had delicate features and a quiet demeanor.
The two countries maintained a delicate balance of power for decades.
He has a delicate stomach and has to be careful about what he eats.
The artist used a fine brush for the most delicate details of the portrait.
Diplomats are engaged in delicate negotiations to secure the treaty.
The color was a delicate shade of pink, almost white.
Be careful moving that sculpture; it's extremely delicate.

🔁 Synonyms & antonyms

fragile fine subtle dainty exquisite sensitive flimsy tenuous

fragile · focuses specifically on being easily broken or shattered.

fine · emphasizes high quality, thinness, or intricate detail.

subtle · highlights something being faint, understated, or hard to perceive.

dainty · suggests smallness, gracefulness, and prettiness.

Opposites: sturdy, robust, coarse, strong, resilient

🌱 Where it comes from

The word 'delicate' traces back to the Latin 'delicatus', meaning 'alluring, delightful, or dainty'. It entered English through Old French in the 14th century, initially carrying this sense of pleasure and luxury. Over time, the meaning shifted to focus on the qualities of things that are delightful, such as fineness, subtlety, and a lack of coarseness, which led to its modern sense of being fine and easily damaged.

🧩 How it's used

Common patterns:

delicate balancedelicate situationdelicate negotiationsdelicate touchdelicate flavor

'Delicate' is a versatile word that can apply to physical objects, abstract concepts, and living things. Its connotation shifts with context. Describing lace as 'delicate' is a compliment to its fine craftsmanship, but describing a person's health or ego as 'delicate' implies weakness and vulnerability. Be mindful of this dual nature; it can mean both 'exquisitely fine' and 'dangerously fragile'.

Word family: delicately, delicacy, delicatesse

💬 Quick answers

What does 'delicate' mean in simple terms?

It usually means something is easily broken, very fine and detailed, or needs to be handled with great care and skill.

What is the difference between 'delicate' and 'fragile'?

'Fragile' specifically means easily broken. 'Delicate' can mean that too, but it also has broader meanings, like a 'delicate flavor' (subtle) or a 'delicate situation' (requiring tact).

Can you call a person delicate?

Yes. It can mean they are not physically strong or get sick easily. It can also be a compliment, referring to their features as being fine and graceful.

Is 'delicate' a positive or negative word?

It depends on the context. It's positive when describing something of high quality, like 'delicate embroidery', but can imply weakness when referring to a 'delicate ego'.

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