del·i·cate
(dĕĺĭ-kĭt)
[Middle English delicat, French délicat, both from Latin dēlicātus, pleasingakin to dēlicia, pleasure; see delicious.]
adjective
- Pleasing to the senses, especially in a subtle way: a delicate flavor; a delicate violin passage.
- Exquisitely fine or dainty: delicate china.
- Frail in constitution or health.
- Easily broken or damaged: a kite too delicate to fly.
- Marked by sensitivity of discrimination: a critic's delicate perception.
- Considerate of the feelings of others.
- Concerned with propriety.
- Squeamish or fastidious.
- Requiring tactful treatment: a delicate situation.
- Fine or soft in touch or skill: a surgeon's delicate touch.
- Measuring, indicating, or responding to very small changes; precise: a delicate set of scales.
- Very subtle in difference or distinction.
derivatives
- deĺi·cate·ly
- adverb
- deĺi·cate·ness
- noun
synonyms:
delicate, choice, dainty, elegant, exquisite, fine1 These adjectives mean appealing to refined taste: a delicate flavor; choice exotic flowers; a dainty dish; elegant handwriting; an exquisite wine; the finest embroidery.- See also: fragile
