adverb / adjective
gingerly
JIN-jer-lee/ˈdʒɪndʒərli/
Showing great care to avoid harm or disturbance.
The woman gingerly supports the cracked teacup while avoiding its damaged handle.
Etymology
Gingerly first meant “elegantly, daintily,” before developing the sense of moving extremely cautiously. Its origin remains unknown; the proposed connection with a French word for delicacy is only a possibility.
In context
Two burly Pinkertons leaped forward gingerly into the midst of the electrical apparatus
More examples
- He takes a gingerly step onto the icy sidewalk.
- I gingerly peel the bandage away from my skin.
- We approach the sensitive topic gingerly.
Similar words
- cautiously
- Emphasizes guarding against possible danger rather than delicate handling.
- carefully
- Covers attention to accuracy as well as avoiding harm.
- delicately
- Emphasizes a light touch or tact rather than apprehension.