delicate

2 entries found for delicate.
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delicate[1,adjective] delicate[2,noun]

Main Entry: ¹del·i·cate
Pronunciation: 'de-li-k&t
Function: adjective
Etymology: Middle English delicat, from Latin delicatus given to self-indulgence, fastidious, subtly pleasing, not robust; akin to Latin delicere to allure
1 : pleasing to the senses: a : generally pleasant <the climate's delicate, the air most sweet -- Shakespeare> b : pleasing to the sense of taste or smell especially in a mild or subtle way <a delicate aroma> <a robust wine will dominate delicate dishes> c : marked by daintiness or charm of color, lines, or proportions <a delicate floral print> <an ample tear trilled down her delicate cheek -- Shakespeare> d : marked by fineness of structure, workmanship, or texture <a delicate tracery> <a delicate lace>
2 a : marked by keen sensitivity or fine discrimination <delicate insights> <a more delicate syntactic analysis -- R. H. Robins> b : FASTIDIOUS, SQUEAMISH <a person of delicate tastes>
3 a : not robust in health or constitution : WEAK, SICKLY <had been considered a delicate child> b : easily torn or damaged : FRAGILE <the delicate chain of life>
4 a : requiring careful handling: (1) : easily unsettled or upset <a delicate balance> <the delicate relationships defined by the Constitution -- New Yorker> (2) : requiring skill or tact <in a delicate position> <delicate negotiations> <a delicate operation> (3) : involving matters of a deeply personal nature : SENSITIVE <this is a delicate matter. Could I possibly speak to you alone -- Daphne Du Maurier> b : marked by care, skill, or tact <delicate handling of a difficult situation>
5 : marked by great precision or sensitivity <a delicate instrument>
synonym see CHOICE
- del·i·cate·ly adverb