delicacy
/'delikəsi/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
- Noun:
- The quality of being delicate, fine, or subtle in appearance, construction, or effect: Refers to something that is exquisitely fine, light, or intricate.
- Fineness of texture, quality, or workmanship: Indicates a high degree of refinement, precision, or skill.
- Sensitivity of perception, feeling, or tact: The quality of requiring or showing careful, sensitive, or considerate handling.
- Something pleasing to eat that is considered rare or luxurious: A choice or expensive food item.
Examples of Usage
- Noun:
- The delicacy of the lace was astonishing. (The fineness and intricacy of the lace was astonishing.)
- He handled the fragile vase with great delicacy. (He handled the fragile vase with extreme care and lightness of touch.)
- The negotiations required considerable delicacy. (The negotiations required a great deal of tact and sensitivity.)
- Caviar is considered a great delicacy. (Caviar is considered a rare and luxurious food.)
Advanced Usage
- "A matter of great delicacy": A situation or subject that requires very careful, sensitive, or tactful handling.
- Discussing salary with a colleague is often a matter of great delicacy.
- "To treat with delicacy": To handle something or someone with extreme care, sensitivity, or consideration.
- The subject of her loss must be treated with delicacy.
Variants and Related Words
- Delicate (adj): Very fine in texture or structure; easily broken or damaged; requiring sensitive or careful handling.
- The delicate wings of a butterfly.
- Delicately (adv): In a delicate manner.
- She stepped delicately over the puddles.
Synonyms
- Fineness: The quality of being very thin or precise.
- Fragility: The quality of being easily broken or damaged.
- Tact: Skill and sensitivity in dealing with others or with difficult issues.
- Daintiness: The quality of being delicately small and pretty.
Related Phrases
- Handle with delicacy: To manage or deal with something using great care and sensitivity.
- This antique clock should be handled with delicacy.
- A culinary delicacy: A food item that is highly prized for its rarity, quality, or flavor.
- Truffles are a prized culinary delicacy.
Related Idioms
- Walk on eggshells (around someone): To be extremely cautious about one's words or actions around a particular person to avoid causing offense. (This idiom relates to the concept of a situation requiring great .)
- Since the argument, I feel like I have to walk on eggshells around him.
Noun
- lightness in movement or manner
- subtly skillful handling of a situation
- lack of physical strength
- smallness of stature
- refined taste; tact
- something considered choice to eat
- the quality of being beautiful and delicate in appearance
- the daintiness of her touch
- the fineness of her features