delicately Hear it!

Variant of delicate

delicate Definition

deli·cate (del′i kit)

adjective

  1. pleasing in its lightness, mildness, subtlety, etc. a delicate flavor, odor, or color
  2. beautifully fine in texture, quality, or workmanship delicate linen, delicate skin
  3. slight and subtle a delicate difference
  4. easily damaged, spoiled, or disordered a delicate vase, a delicate stomach
  5. frail in health a delicate child
    1. needing careful handling, tact, etc. a delicate situation
    2. showing tact, consideration, etc.
  7. finely sensitive in feeling, understanding, discriminating, or responding a delicate ear for music, a delicate gauge
  8. finely skilled
  9. having or showing a sensitive or, sometimes, finicky distaste for what is considered offensive or improper

Etymology: ME delicat < L delicatus, giving pleasure, delightful < *delicare, for OL delicere, to allure, entice < de-, intens. + lacere: see delight

noun

Archaic a delicacy; dainty

Related Forms:

delicately Synonyms

delicately

modif.

deftly, skillfully, cautiously; see carefully 2.

delicately Quotes

The typical Westerner wishes to be the cause of as many changes as possible in his environment; the typical Chinese wishes to enjoy as much and as delicately as possible.

—Russell, Bertrand Arthur William Russell, 3rd Earl