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del·i·cate

delicate

 
 
pronunciation:
de l kt
features:
Word Combinations (adjective), Word Explorer
part of speech: adjective
definition 1: agreeable to the senses because of fineness or subtlety.
I love the delicate fragrance of roses.
synonyms:
exquisite, nice
antonyms:
bold, strong
similar words:
agreeable, dainty, elegant, light, silken, soft, subtle
definition 2: easy to break or hurt; fragile; dainty.
This glassware is delicate, so please be careful.
synonyms:
fragile, frail, frangible
antonyms:
durable, hardy, strong, sturdy, tough
similar words:
breakable, dainty, feeble, tender
definition 3: requiring care and gentle handling; sensitive.
He hesitated to bring up the delicate matter of her mother's death.How much money a person makes is often a delicate topic.
synonyms:
sensitive, ticklish, touchy, tricky
similar words:
precarious, risky, sticky
definition 4: of a weak or sickly nature.
He had always been a delicate child and frequently had to be taken to the hospital.
synonyms:
frail, tender
antonyms:
hardy, healthy, robust, strong, tough
similar words:
ailing, feeble, flimsy, sickly, weak
definition 5: very fine; subtle.
It's a delicate distinction but an important one.A delicate pattern was engraved in the silver.
synonyms:
finespun, subtle
antonyms:
bold, gross
similar words:
exquisite, fine, gossamer, minute, sheer
definition 6: characterized by sensitivity.
She was delicate in her handling of the situation.
synonyms:
considerate, diplomatic, sensitive, tactful
antonyms:
clumsy, coarse, crude, indelicate
similar words:
careful, fastidious, politic, prudent, tender
definition 7: exquisitely precise in sensory perception.
He plays the instrument with a delicate touch.
synonyms:
perceptive, refined
similar words:
discerning, discriminating, elegant, subtle
Word CombinationsSubscriber feature About this feature
derivations: delicately (adv.), delicateness (n.)
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