delicately

Thân thiện

She delicately placed the antique teacup on its saucer.

Definition

1. Adverb:
   • In a careful, gentle, or subtle manner: Performing an action with great sensitivity, precision, or lightness of touch to avoid damage, offense, or harshness.
   • In a finely or intricately made manner: Characterized by fine, intricate, or elegant workmanship or detail.

Usage Examples

• Adverb (Careful/Gentle manner):

  • She delicately placed the antique vase back on the shelf.
  • The surgeon worked delicately to repair the tiny nerves.
  • He delicately broached the subject of her retirement.

• Adverb (Finely/Intricately made):

  • The lace was delicately woven with silver thread.
  • The figurine's features were delicately carved from ivory.

Advanced Usage

• Used to describe nuanced handling of situations: Often implies tact, diplomacy, or a refined approach to a sensitive issue.
  • The ambassador negotiated the treaty terms very delicately.
• Used to describe subtle aesthetic qualities: Suggests a lightness, elegance, or fragility in appearance.
  • The pastry was decorated with delicately piped cream.

Variants and Related Words

• Delicate (adjective): Very fine in texture, structure, or workmanship; easily broken or damaged; requiring sensitive or careful handling.
  • a delicate china cup; a delicate situation
• Delicateness (noun): The quality of being delicate. (Less common; "delicacy" is more frequent.)
• Delicacy (noun): 1. Fineness or intricacy of texture or structure. 2. Something pleasing to eat that is considered rare or luxurious. 3. Tact and consideration.

Synonyms

• Gently: With a mild, kind, or tender manner.
• Subtly: In a manner that is so delicate or precise as to be difficult to analyze or describe.
• Finely: In a very thin, slender, or precise manner.
• Deftly: In a way that is neatly skillful and quick in movement.

Related Phrases

• Handle/Tread delicately: To deal with a situation with extreme care and sensitivity.
  • You must tread delicately when discussing their financial problems.
• Delicately balanced: In a state of precise and easily disturbed equilibrium.
  • The ecosystem here is delicately balanced.

Notes on Meaning

The adverb "delicately" derives directly from the adjective "delicate." Its core meaning involves actions performed with a high degree of finesse, care, or subtlety, whether referring to physical touch, social interaction, or artistic craftsmanship. It often carries connotations of fragility, skill, and refinement.

Học thuật

Adverb

1. in a delicate manner
   • finely shaped features
   • her fine drawn body

Từ đồng nghĩa

• finely
• fine
• exquisitely