Main Entry: ¹del·i·cate

Pronunciation: \ˈde-li-kət\

Function: adjective

Etymology: Middle English delicat, from Latin delicatus given to self-indulgence, fastidious, subtly pleasing, not robust; akin to Latin delicere to allure

Date: 14th century

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>

synonyms see choice

— del·i·cate·ly adverb