over-delicate

A collector handles the over-delicate porcelain vase with great care.

Definition

over-delicate (adjective)

1. Excessively fine or subtle: Describes something that is too refined, intricate, or sensitive in nature, often to the point of impracticality or fragility.
2. Overly fragile or delicate in physical form: Refers to something that is too thin, weak, or easily damaged.
3. Excessively fastidious or sensitive in behavior: Pertains to a person who is too particular, squeamish, or easily offended.

Usage Examples

• (Too fragile or thin.)
• (Excessively sensitive or refined taste.)
• (Physically too weak or sensitive.)

Advanced Usage

• "over-delicate sensibilities": A phrase used to describe someone who is excessively easily shocked or offended.

  • The critic's over-delicate sensibilities prevented him from appreciating the raw emotion of the play. (His extreme sensitivity limited his understanding.)

• "over-delicate craftsmanship": Workmanship that is so intricate it becomes impractical or fragile.

  • The over-delicate craftsmanship of the antique vase made it unsuitable for everyday use. (Too fine and fragile.)

Variants and Related Words

• Over-delicacy (noun): The state or quality of being over-delicate.

  • The over-delicacy of the mechanism caused frequent breakdowns. (Excessive fragility or refinement.)

• Delicate (adj): fine, subtle, or sensitive in a normal or desirable way.

  • She has a delicate touch when painting. (Appropriately fine or careful.)

Synonyms

• Over-refined: excessively refined or subtle.
• Over-sensitive: too easily affected or offended.
• Frail: physically weak or fragile.
• Squeamish: easily disgusted or shocked.

Antonyms

• Robust: strong and healthy; not delicate.
• Coarse: rough in texture or manner; not refined.
• Tough: able to withstand wear or stress; not fragile.

Related Idioms

• "Handle with kid gloves": to treat something or someone with extreme care, often due to fragility or sensitivity.

  • You must handle the over-delicate antique with kid gloves. (Treat it very carefully.)

• "Walking on eggshells": to act with extreme caution to avoid upsetting someone.

  • Around his over-delicate aunt, he felt like he was walking on eggshells. (Being overly careful to avoid offense.)