Delicate

Quick meaning: Delicate is an adjective meaning Easily damaged or requiring careful handling.

Meaning

Easily damaged or requiring careful handling.

More Meanings

1. Characterized by a fine structure or thin lines.
2. Intended for use with fragile items.
3. Refined; gentle; scrupulous not to trespass or offend; considerate; said of manners, conduct, or feelings.
4. Of weak health; easily sick; unable to endure hardship.
5. (informal) Unwell, especially because of having drunk too much alcohol.
6. Pleasing to the senses; refined; adapted to please an elegant or cultivated taste.
7. (obsolete) Addicted to pleasure; luxurious; voluptuous; alluring.

Example Sentences

Her face was delicate.

The spider wove a delicate web.

The negotiations were very delicate.

Those clothes are made from delicate lace.

Word Forms

• delicater
• delicatest
• delicates

Synonyms for delicate

Depending on context, synonyms include fragile, tender, exquisite, ethereal, refined, soft.

Antonyms for delicate

Common opposites include rugged.

Related Words

Related dictionary entries include dainty, tender, overdelicate, exquisite, light-handed, soft.

Commonly Confused & Compared Words

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