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delicate

delicate

105 3.9
Needing great care or skill
  • adjective
  • /ˈdɛlɪkɪt/
translation icon : delicado
  • The way to present these images is, in fact, a delicate matter.
  • delicate balance
  • strike a delicate balance
  • a delicate balancing act

And there's always sort of this delicate balance which parents have, right?

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Examples

  • That's an attitude, sir, that calls for the most delicate judgement on both sides.

  • That kind of strategy calls for very delicate action and very delicate judgement.

  • However, notice how delicate this issue is.

  • Thus a delicate political game was played.

  • Well, this is a very delicate situation.

  • I know this is a... delicate subject, but do you have any reason to believe that this might have something to do with your sister?

  • Since it's a very delicate subject, should I take your silence as a "no comment"?

  • Despite their partnership, a delicate balance of power existed between my father and Ace.

  • And peace talks involve private conversations, delicate, even painful conversations.

  • The artist used a delicate brush to create fine details in her painting.

Synonyms

meticulous
vsdelicate
58 8.6

Being very careful about small details

centers on careful skill and tact rather than fine detail or precision
touchy
vsdelicate
31 6.0

A subject that needs careful handling because it may cause disagreement

is used for things needing skillful care or tact beyond social sensitivity
ticklish
vsdelicate
24 5.2

Hard to talk about or deal with because it may cause an argument

describes requiring careful skill or tact not just physical sensitivity
painstaking
vsdelicate
13 6.1

Being very careful and using a lot of effort

focuses on careful skill and tact rather than effort and time
tactful
vsdelicate
11 4.0

Being careful and polite when speaking to avoid hurting people

emphasizes careful skill or precision rather than only social sensitivity

Compounds

A fine, light piece of cloth worn over the face for decoration or during ceremonies

How Delicate

critical
917 4.0
sensitive
217 2.7
delicate
105 3.9
tricky
214 3.9

Surface Forms

delicate positive

Etymology

The word delicate comes from the Latin delicatus, which meant 'pleasing' or 'dainty'. So a 'delicate' task is one that must be done with fine skill and careful touch.