A delicate thing is something that's easily broken or damaged, and it needs care when handling.
When people use the word "delicate", they usually think about things that are fragile or require gentle treatment. For example, a fine vase might be considered delicate because it could break if dropped. A person who's feeling emotional might say they're being too sensitive or have delicate feelings, meaning their emotions are easily hurt by criticism or harsh words. Sometimes, people use "delicate" to describe situations that need careful consideration, like diplomatic relations between countries. In all these cases, the word conveys an idea of something that requires a gentle touch or subtle approach.
How common is "delicate"?
Word delicate is considered uncommon in modern English. It has a balanced usage among all categories: speech, fiction, newspapers and academic texts.
Definitions
noun
A delicate item of clothing, especially underwear or lingerie.
Example: Don't put that in with your jeans: it's a delicate!
A choice dainty; a delicacy.
A delicate, luxurious, or effeminate person.
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adjective
Easily damaged or requiring careful handling.
Example: The negotiations were very delicate.
Characterized by a fine structure or thin lines.
Example: Her face was delicate.
Intended for use with fragile items.
Example: Set the washing machine to the delicate cycle.
Refined; gentle; scrupulous not to trespass or offend; considerate; said of manners, conduct, or feelings.
Example: delicate attentions
Of weak health; easily sick; unable to endure hardship.
Example: a delicate child
Unwell, especially because of having drunk too much alcohol.
Example: Please don't speak so loudly: I'm feeling a bit delicate this morning.
Addicted to pleasure; luxurious; voluptuous; alluring.
Pleasing to the senses; refined; adapted to please an elegant or cultivated taste.
Example: a delicate dish
Slight and shapely; lovely; graceful.
Light, or softly tinted; said of a colour.
Example: a delicate shade of blue
Of exacting tastes and habits; dainty; fastidious.
Highly discriminating or perceptive; refinedly critical; sensitive; exquisite.
Example: a delicate ear for music
Affected by slight causes; showing slight changes.
