Word
delicate
Meanings
easily damaged or broken; needing careful handling
requiring tact and sensitivity because it could cause embarrassment, conflict, or upset
subtle, fine, and refined in a pleasant way (especially of taste, smell, or appearance)
Definition
Delicate describes something that is easily damaged or requires careful handling.
Something delicate is fragile and can break, tear, or be harmed easily, so it needs gentle treatment. The word can also describe situations or topics that need tact and sensitivity. It may also refer to a subtle, refined quality, such as a delicate flavor or scent.
Examples
- I wrapped the delicate vase in towels before putting it in the trunk.
- You need a delicate touch when you prune young plants, or the stems will snap.
- She handled the delicate question with enough tact to keep the meeting calm.
- They noticed a delicate citrus note in the sauce that lifted the whole dish.
Common mistake
Learners often misuse delicate to mean only “small” or “weak,” but it mainly means “fragile,” “sensitive,” or “subtle,” depending on context.
More at C1 level
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- xenophobia Xenophobia is a strong dislike or fear of people from other countries or cultures.
- genocide Genocide is the deliberate killing of a large number of people from a particular group in order to …
- conundrum A conundrum is a confusing and difficult problem to solve.
- pretentious Trying to seem more important, intelligent, or cultured than you really are.
More adjectives
- agnostic An agnostic is someone who does not claim to know whether God exists.
- pragmatic Pragmatic means focused on practical results rather than ideals or theories.
- ubiquitous Present, appearing, or found everywhere at the same time.
- cynical Cynical describes believing that people are mainly motivated by self-interest and not sincere.
- apathetic Apathetic means showing little or no interest, concern, or enthusiasm.