C1adjective 2K

Delicate

🇬🇧 UK /["/ˈdelɪkət/"]/ 🇺🇸 US /["/ˈdelɪkət/"]/

Meaning of Delicate

easily damaged or broken

In simple words: Easily broken or damaged; fragile.

Delicate in a sentence

• The delicate porcelain vase shattered when it fell from the shelf.
• She wore a delicate lace dress that looked elegant and fragile.
• They handled the delicate negotiations with great care to avoid offending anyone.
• The diplomat was skilled in managing delicate situations between conflicting countries.
• The patient’s condition was delicate, requiring constant monitoring by the medical staff.
• Delicate flowers need to be protected from harsh weather to survive.
• He has a delicate touch when playing the piano, making the music sound gentle and smooth.

How to use Delicate

Use 'delicate' to describe things that require careful handling, like fine china or fragile emotions. It’s generally appropriate in a variety of contexts but avoid using it in overly casual speech.

Grammar pattern

standalone adjective

Memory hint

Think of 'delicate' like a 'delicate flower' that needs gentle care to flourish.

Related words

Collocations with Delicate

• be
• feel
• look
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• be
• feel
• look
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• be
• feel
• look
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• be
• feel
• look
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• be
• feel
• look
• extremely
• fairly
• very
• be
• feel
• look
• extremely
• fairly
• very

Synonyms for Delicate

• subtle

Opposites of Delicate

• sturdy
• robust
• strong

Common mistakes with Delicate

• Confused with 'delicious' — they sound similar but have different meanings.
• Using 'delicate' to describe something strong or resilient.
• Omitting context; remember 'delicate' usually refers to physical or emotional sensitivity.

Frequently asked questions about Delicate

What does Delicate mean?

Easily broken or damaged; fragile.

What is the definition of Delicate?

easily damaged or broken

How do you use Delicate in a sentence?

The delicate porcelain vase shattered when it fell from the shelf.

Can you give another example of Delicate?

She wore a delicate lace dress that looked elegant and fragile.

What are synonyms for Delicate?

Common alternatives include subtle.

What is the opposite of Delicate?

Opposite meanings include sturdy, robust, strong.

What words go with Delicate?

It commonly pairs with be, feel, look, extremely, fairly, very, be, feel, look, extremely, fairly, very, be, feel, look, extremely, fairly, very, be, feel, look, extremely, fairly, very, be, feel, look, extremely, fairly, very, be, feel, look, extremely, fairly, very.

What are common mistakes when using Delicate?

Confused with 'delicious' — they sound similar but have different meanings. Using 'delicate' to describe something strong or resilient. Omitting context; remember 'delicate' usually refers to physical or emotional sensitivity.

How do you pronounce Delicate?

US: /["/ˈdelɪkət/"]/, UK: /["/ˈdelɪkət/"]/. Listen to the audio above to hear native pronunciation.

When should I use Delicate?

Use 'delicate' to describe things that require careful handling, like fine china or fragile emotions. It’s generally appropriate in a variety of contexts but avoid using it in overly casual speech.

What CEFR level is Delicate?

"Delicate" is at C1 level on the CEFR scale.