delicate
fine in texture, quality, construction, etc.: a delicate lace collar.
so fine as to be scarcely perceptible; subtle: a delicate flavor.
soft or faint, as color: a delicate shade of pink.
fine or precise in action or execution; capable of responding to the slightest influence: a delicate instrument.
requiring great care, caution, or tact: a delicate international situation.
distinguishing subtle differences: a delicate eye;a delicate sense of smell.
exquisite or refined in perception or feeling; sensitive.
regardful of what is becoming, proper, etc.: a delicate sense of propriety.
mindful of or sensitive to the feelings of others: a delicate refusal.
dainty or choice, as food: delicate tidbits.
primly fastidious; squeamish: not a movie for the delicate viewer.
Obsolete. sensuous; voluptuous.
Archaic. a choice food; delicacy.
Obsolete. a source of pleasure; luxury.
Origin of delicate
1synonym study For delicate
Other words for delicate
2 | breakable, brittle, flimsy, frangible, weak; feeble, slight, tender |
5 | exact, precise, accurate, true |
6 | sensitive, touchy, tricky |
7 | discerning, discriminating, perceptive |
Opposites for delicate
Other words from delicate
- del·i·cate·ly, adverb
- del·i·cate·ness, noun
- hy·per·del·i·cate, adjective
- hy·per·del·i·cate·ness, noun
- non·del·i·cate, adjective
- non·del·i·cate·ness, noun
- qua·si-del·i·cate, adjective
- su·per·del·i·cate, adjective
- su·per·del·i·cate·ness, noun
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024
British Dictionary definitions for delicate
/ (ˈdɛlɪkɪt) /
exquisite, fine, or subtle in quality, character, construction, etc
having a soft or fragile beauty
(of colour, tone, taste, etc) pleasantly subtle, soft, or faint
easily damaged or injured; lacking robustness, esp in health; fragile
precise, skilled, or sensitive in action or operation: a delicate mechanism
requiring tact and diplomacy
sensitive in feeling or manner; showing regard for the feelings of others
excessively refined; squeamish
archaic a delicacy; dainty
Origin of delicate
1Derived forms of delicate
- delicately, adverb
- delicateness, noun
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012
Browse