adj.
Pronunciation: ' de-li-k ə 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
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 Dutch 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