adjective
delicate
DEL-ih-kut/ˈdelɪkət/
Easily harmed, damaged, or spoiled and needing gentle care.
Careful fingertips gently hold the delicate porcelain cup by its thin sides.
Etymology
Latin delicatus described something delightful or dainty, and also came to mean fine or slender. This fineness connects to the sense of something so tender that it is easily damaged or hurt.
In context
despite its delicate, airy flower clusters, it handles sun, wind, and summer heat better than most plants in its category
More examples
- Keep the delicate seedlings sheltered from strong winds.
- Harsh soap can irritate a baby's delicate skin.
- We wrap the delicate glass ornaments before packing them.
Forms
delicate · more delicate · most delicate
delicately adverb — In a gentle and careful manner.