Cool MateDelicate vs Sensitive
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Delicate
Sensitive
| Delicate | Sensitive | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈdelɪkət/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈdelɪkət/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //ˈsɛnsɪtɪv//🇺🇸 //ˈsɛnsɪtɪv// |
| Meaning | Easily broken or damaged; fragile. | Easily affected by emotions or feelings. |
| Example | The delicate porcelain vase shattered when it fell from the shelf. | She is very sensitive to criticism and often takes it personally. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | C1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | adjective | adjective |
| Collocations | 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 | sensitive topic, sensitive information, sensitive issue |
| Antonyms | sturdy, robust, strong | insensitive, unemotional, callous |
| Common mistakes | 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. | Confused with 'sensitive' as being weak instead of aware., Using 'sensitive' for physical touch; better to say 'tender'. |
| Usage notes | 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. | Used to describe people who easily feel emotions or react strongly. Can describe topics that require care due to emotional impact. |
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Frequently asked questions: Delicate vs Sensitive
What's the difference between Delicate and Sensitive?
Delicate: Easily broken or damaged; fragile. Sensitive: Easily affected by emotions or feelings.
Which is more common: Delicate and Sensitive?
Sensitive is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Delicate and Sensitive?
Delicate is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Delicate and Sensitive the same CEFR level?
Delicate: C1, Sensitive: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Delicate and Sensitive?
Delicate: adjective, Sensitive: adjective.
Can you show an example of each?
Delicate: The delicate porcelain vase shattered when it fell from the shelf. Sensitive: She is very sensitive to criticism and often takes it personally.
Can I use Delicate and Sensitive interchangeably?
Not always. Delicate and Sensitive are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.