1.
Something that is ~ is small and beautifully shaped.
He had ~ hands.
= dainty
ADJ: usu ADJ n
~ly
She was a shy, ~ly pretty girl with enormous blue eyes.
= daintily
ADV: ADV adj/-ed
2.
Something that is ~ has a colour, taste, or smell which is pleasant and not strong or intense.
Young haricot beans have a tender texture and a ~, subtle flavour...
= subtle
ADJ
~ly
...a soup ~ly flavoured with nutmeg.
ADV: ADV -ed/adj
3.
If something is ~, it is easy to harm, damage, or break, and needs to be handled or treated carefully.
Although the coral looks hard, it is very ~.
= fragile
? robust
ADJ
4.
Someone who is ~ is not healthy and strong, and becomes ill easily.
She was physically ~ and psychologically unstable.
= frail
ADJ: usu v-link ADJ
5.
You use ~ to describe a situation, problem, matter, or discussion that needs to be dealt with carefully and sensitively in order to avoid upsetting things or offending people.
The European members are afraid of upsetting the ~ balance of political interests...
ADJ
~ly
...a ~ly-worded memo.
ADV: ADV with v
6.
A ~ task, movement, action, or product needs or shows great skill and attention to detail.
...a long and ~ operation carried out at a hospital in Florence...
ADJ
~ly
...the ~ly embroidered sheets.
ADV: ADV with v