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1. Dictionary

   Del·i·cate

   /ˈdeləkət/

   

   adjective

   • 1. very fine in texture or structure; of intricate workmanship or quality: "a spider's web, strong yet delicate" Similar fineexquisiteintricatedaintyairyelegantgracefulflimsygauzyfilmyfloatygossamerdiaphanouschiffonysilkywispythininsubstantialpaperyOpposite crudecoarse
   • ▪ (of a color or a scent) subtle and subdued: "delicate pastel shades" Similar subtlesoftsubduedmutedpastelpalelightOpposite boldvibrantlurid
   • ▪ (of food or drink) subtly and pleasantly flavored: "a delicate cream sauce"
   • 2. easily broken or damaged; fragile: "delicate china" Similar fragilebreakableeasily broken/damagedfrailfrangibleeggshellOpposite strongdurable
   • ▪ (of a person, animal, or plant) susceptible to illness or adverse conditions: "his delicate health" Similar sicklyin poor healthunhealthyvaletudinarianfrailfeebleweakweaklydebilitatedunwellinfirmailingpoorlyinformal:neshOpposite healthystrongrobust
   • ▪ (of a state or condition) easily upset or damaged: "owls have a delicate balance with their habitat"
   • 3. requiring sensitive or careful handling: "delicate negotiations" Similar difficulttrickysensitiveticklishawkwardproblematicproblematicaltouchypricklycontroversialemotiveembarrassinginformal:stickydiceyOpposite uncontroversial
   • ▪ (of a person or an action) tactful and considerate: "the most delicate tact was called for" Similar carefulconsideratesensitivetactfuldiplomaticdiscreetgentlekid-glovesoftly-softlyOpposite ineptclumsyinsensitive
   • ▪ skillful and finely judged; deft: "his delicate ball-playing skills" Similar deftdexterousskilledskillfulexpertfinely judgedadeptadroitneatslickinformal:niftyOpposite clumsyinept
   • ▪ (of an instrument) highly sensitive. Similar sensitiveprecisionpreciseaccurateexact

   noun

   • 1. a delicate fabric or garment made of such fabric: informal "the delicates cycle of a washing machine"

   Word Origin late Middle English (in the sense ‘delightful, charming’): from French délicat or Latin delicatus, of unknown origin. Senses also expressed in Middle English (now obsolete) include ‘voluptuous’, ‘self-indulgent’, ‘fastidious’, and ‘effeminate’.

   Derivatives

   • 1. delicateness noun

   Scrabble Points: 11

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2. www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › delicateDelicate - Definition, Meaning & Synonyms | Vocabulary.com

   www.vocabulary.com › dictionary › delicate

   having or showing or requiring special skill. adjective. exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury. “a delicate violin passage” “ delicate china” “a delicate flavor” “the delicate wing of a butterfly” synonyms: dainty, exquisite. delicately beautiful. ethereal, gossamer. characterized by unusual lightness and delicacy. fragile

3. www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › american_englishdelicate adjective - Definition, pictures, pronunciation and...

   www.oxfordlearnersdictionaries.com › definition › american_english

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   delicately. Definition of delicate adjective in Oxford Advanced American Dictionary. Meaning, pronunciation, picture, example sentences, grammar, usage notes, synonyms and more.

4. dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-englishDELICATE | meaning - Cambridge Learner's Dictionary

   dictionary.cambridge.org › dictionary › learner-english

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   adjective. uk / ˈdelɪkət / us. delicate adjective (GENTLE) Add to word list. B2. soft, light, or gentle: a delicate flavour. a delicate shade of pink. Fewer examples. the delicate fragrance of roses. her delicate touch. delicate colours. a wonderfully delicate wine. The flavour is very delicate. delicate adjective (EASY TO DAMAGE) B2.

5. www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › englishDELICATE definition and meaning | Collins English Dictionary

   www.collinsdictionary.com › dictionary › english

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   2 days ago · If something is delicate, it is easy to harm, damage, or break, and needs to be handled or treated carefully. Although the coral looks hard, it is very delicate. ...a washing machine catering for every fabric–even the most delicate. Synonyms: fragile, weak, frail, brittle More Synonyms of delicate.

6. www.thefreedictionary.com › delicateDelicate - definition of delicate by The Free Dictionary

   www.thefreedictionary.com › delicate

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   1. Pleasing to the senses, especially in a subtle way: a delicate flavor; a delicate violin passage. 2. a. Easily broken or damaged: a kite too delicate to fly. b. Exquisitely fine or dainty: delicate china. See Synonyms at exquisite. c. Frail in constitution or health. 3. a. Marked by sensitivity of discrimination: a critic's delicate perception.

7. www.yourdictionary.com › delicateDelicate Definition & Meaning | YourDictionary

   www.yourdictionary.com › delicate

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   Noun. Filter. adjective. delicatest. Pleasing in its lightness, mildness, subtlety, etc. A delicate flavor, odor, or color. Webster's New World. Similar definitions. Beautifully fine in texture, quality, or workmanship. Delicate linen, delicate skin. Webster's New World. Similar definitions. Easily damaged, spoiled, or disordered.

8. www.ldoceonline.com › dictionary › delicatedelicate | meaning of delicate in Longman Dictionary of...

   www.ldoceonline.com › dictionary › delicate

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   From Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English del‧i‧cate /ˈdelɪkət/ adjective 1 needing to be dealt with carefully or sensitively in order to avoid problems or failure There’s something I have to speak to you about – it’s a delicate matter. delicate negotiations see thesaurus at difficult 2 easily damaged or broken SYN fragile delicate h...