Delicate (Adjective)
Meaning 1
Of an instrument or device; capable of registering minute differences or changes precisely; "almost undetectable with even the most delicate instruments".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The microscope is a delicate instrument that can detect even the smallest particles in the air.
- Herbs such as mint require a delicate thermometer to accurately control the drying process.
- Even the most delicate scientific instruments could not measure the precise differences between the two liquids.
- Specialists at the crime scene used a delicate dusting technique to preserve evidence from the small explosion.
- Meteorologists employ a delicate set of equipment to accurately track wind currents.
Meaning 2
Marked by great skill especially in meticulous technique; "a surgeon's delicate touch".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Meaning 3
Exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury; "a delicate violin passage"; "delicate china"; "a delicate flavor"; "the delicate wing of a butterfly".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The artist's delicate brushstrokes created a beautiful painting that was both intricate and elegant.
- Her delicate fingers danced across the piano keys, producing a beautiful melody.
- The doctor warned her that her ankle was still delicate after the surgery and she should avoid putting too much weight on it.
- The chef added a delicate sprinkle of paprika to the dish, giving it a subtle yet distinct flavor.
- The butterfly's delicate wings beat rapidly as it hovered in mid-air, its beauty mesmerizing all who saw it.
Antonyms
Meaning 4
Difficult to handle; requiring great tact; "delicate negotiations with the big powers"; "hesitates to be explicit on so ticklish a matter"; "a touchy subject".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The politician had to tread carefully in the delicate situation, as one misstep could lead to a diplomatic incident.
- The teacher handled the sensitive topic of bullying with delicate care, making sure not to embarrass the students involved.
- The business partners engaged in delicate negotiations, trying to reach a mutually beneficial agreement without offending each other.
- The journalist hesitated to write about the delicate issue of corruption in the government, fearing repercussions.
- The manager had to navigate the delicate balance between pleasing the shareholders and keeping the employees happy.
Synonyms
Meaning 5
Easily hurt; "soft hands"; "a baby's delicate skin".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Synonyms
Meaning 6
Developed with extreme delicacy and subtlety; "the satire touches with finespun ridicule every kind of human pretense".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The artist's delicate brushstrokes brought a sense of ethereal beauty to the painting.
- Her delicate fingers moved deftly over the intricate lace, repairing the tiny tears with precision.
- The poet's delicate language wove a subtle spell of longing and nostalgia around the reader.
- The delicate balance of flavors in the dish was a testament to the chef's skill and craftsmanship.
- The delicate irony of the situation was not lost on the audience, who laughed at the absurdity of it all.
Synonyms
Meaning 7
Easily broken or damaged or destroyed; "a kite too delicate to fly safely"; "fragile porcelain plates"; "fragile old bones"; "a frail craft".
Classification
All adjective clusters.
Examples
- The antique vase was a delicate piece that required careful handling to avoid breakage.
- She had to be gentle when washing the delicate silk fabric to prevent it from tearing.
- The doctor warned the patient that her bones were delicate and could easily fracture if she fell.
- The artist's watercolor paintings were so delicate that they had to be displayed in a controlled environment to preserve their color and texture.
- The surgeon's hands moved with precision as she performed the delicate operation to repair the damaged tissue.