delicate

/'delikit/

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The word "delicate" is an adjective that describes something that is very fine, fragile, or sensitive. It can refer to physical objects, like a delicate flower or delicate china, which means they can be easily broken or damaged. It can also describe situations or feelings that are sensitive and need careful handling, such as delicate negotiations or delicate feelings.

Usage Instructions:

• Use "delicate" when you want to describe something that is not strong or sturdy.
• You can also use it to refer to situations or topics that require careful discussion or thought.

Examples:

1. Physical: "Be careful with that vase; it's very delicate."
2. Situational: "The peace talks between the two countries are delicate, and any wrong word could cause trouble."

Advanced Usage:

In more advanced contexts, "delicate" can be used to describe skills or techniques that require a high level of precision. For instance: - "The surgeon had a delicate touch, allowing him to perform the complex procedure with great care."

Word Variants:

• Delicately (adverb): "She handled the fragile glass delicately."
• Delicateness (noun): "The delicateness of the butterfly wing is truly remarkable."

Different Meanings:

1. Physical Fragility: Something that can easily break, like porcelain or a flower.
2. Sensitivity: Referring to feelings or situations that require careful handling, such as a touchy subject.

Synonyms:

• Fragile
• Fine
• Subtle
• Tactful
• Sensitive

Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:

While "delicate" does not have specific idioms or phrasal verbs associated directly with it, you might encounter phrases like “a delicate balance,” which refers to a situation that requires careful management to maintain stability.

Summary:

In summary, "delicate" is a word used to describe things that are fragile or sensitive, whether they are physical objects or delicate situations.

Academic

Adjective

1. of an instrument or device; capable of registering minute differences or changes precisely
   • almost undetectable with even the most delicate instruments
2. difficult to handle; requiring great tact
   • delicate negotiations with the big powers
   • hesitates to be explicit on so ticklish a matter
   • a touchy subject
3. developed with extreme delicacy and subtlety
   • the satire touches with finespun ridicule every kind of human pretense
4. easily hurt
   • soft hands
   • a baby's delicate skin
5. easily broken or damaged or destroyed
   • a kite too delicate to fly safely
   • fragile porcelain plates
   • fragile old bones
   • a frail craft
6. marked by great skill especially in meticulous technique
   • a surgeon's delicate touch
7. exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury
   • a delicate violin passage
   • delicate china
   • a delicate flavor
   • the delicate wing of a butterfly

Synonyms

• ticklish
• touchy
• finespun
• soft
• fragile
• frail