26984 words

delicate

10 definitions • 20 examples
1

Examples:

Peaches have delicate skins which are easily bruised.
Delicate plants need to be kept in a greenhouse during the winter.
delicate china
delicate health Molly's health has always been delicate (= she gets sick easily).
2
needing to be done carefully:

Examples:

delicate operation Repairing damaged nerves is a very delicate operation.
delicate process Reversing the car into the tiny space was a delicate process.
3
a situation, matter, etc. that needs to be dealt with carefully in order to avoid trouble or offence:

Examples:

I need to speak to you about a delicate matter.
4

Examples:

Weather-forecasters have extremely delicate equipment which helps them predict what the weather is going to be like.
5

Examples:

a rose with a delicate scent
a delicate shade of pink
We chose a delicate floral pattern for our bedroom curtains.
6
having a thin, attractive shape:

Examples:

She folded her delicate hands on the table.
7
clothing that needs to be washed very carefully because it is easily damaged, for example underwear made of thin material:

Examples:

I always wash my delicates by hand.
Turn the dress inside out and put it in the washing machine on the delicates cycle.
8

Examples:

a delicate flower
delicate jewelry
9
Delicate also means needing to be dealt with carefully in order to avoid causing trouble or offense:

Examples:

The negotiations have reached a delicate stage.
It’s a delicate operation, and you want an experienced surgeon to do it.
10

Examples:

a delicate flavor
We chose a delicate floral pattern for our bedroom curtains.

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