delicacy
gb/dˈɛlɪkəsi/ us/dˈɛlɪkəsi/
B1
English
~ 4700
ínyencség, csemege, törékenység, finomság, tapintat
NOUN
B1
1
Usage pattern:
[someone] enjoys [a delicacy]
Truffles are considered a delicacy in many countries.
A szarvasgombát sok országban ínyencségnek tartják.
In Japan, fugu fish is a delicacy prepared by licensed chefs.
Japánban a fugu olyan ínyencség, amelyet engedéllyel rendelkező szakácsok készítenek el.
Caviar is a delicacy often served at high-end parties.
The restaurant is famous for a delicacy made from rare mushrooms.
Learner examples
Chocolate cake is my favorite delicacy.
A csokoládétorta a kedvenc csemegém.
Sushi is a delicacy in many places.
A szusi sok helyen ínyencségnek számít.
That cheese is a delicacy from France.
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'delicacy' with 'delicateness', which refers to being fragile or gentle.
Meaning
A rare or special food item
Collocations
local delicacy
|rare delicacy
|seafood delicacy
|exotic delicacy
|culinary delicacy
Synonyms
treat (Less formal and can refer to any enjoyable food, not necessarily rare or expensive.)
|
luxury (Emphasizes the high value or exclusivity, not limited to food.)
Antonyms
staple (A basic food eaten regularly, not rare or luxurious.)
Themes
food
|culture
|luxury
|food_drink
Definition
A special food that is hard to find or costs a lot of money.
A food that is rare, expensive, or considered especially desirable and luxurious.
NOUN
B2
2
törékenység
B2
finomság
B1
Usage pattern:
the delicacy of [something]
The delicacy of the antique vase required careful handling.
Az antik váza törékenysége miatt óvatosan kellett bánni vele.
She admired the delicacy of the lace curtains.
Csodálta a csipkefüggönyök finomságát.
The watchmaker worked with great care due to the delicacy of the parts.
Learner examples
The vase has great delicacy.
A váza rendkívül törékeny.
We must be careful with the delicacy of this glass.
Óvatosan kell bánnunk ezzel a törékeny pohárral.
The flower shows its delicacy in the wind.
Meaning
The state of being fragile or sensitive
Collocations
delicacy of the fabric
|delicacy of the glass
|delicacy of the flowers
Synonyms
fragility (Direct synonym but slightly more common in physical contexts.)
Antonyms
durability (Opposite quality, meaning ability to withstand damage.)
Themes
properties
|materials
|core_vocabulary
Definition
The state of being easy to break or harm.
The quality of being easily damaged, broken, or affected; fragility.
NOUN
B2
3
tapintat
B2
Usage pattern:
[someone] shows delicacy in [situation]
He handled the negotiations with great delicacy.
Nagy tapintattal kezelte a tárgyalásokat.
The doctor spoke with delicacy when giving the diagnosis.
Az orvos tapintatosan beszélt, amikor közölte a diagnózist.
Such matters require delicacy and discretion.
Learner examples
She spoke with great delicacy.
Nagy tapintattal beszélt.
He showed delicacy when talking to her.
Tapintatos volt, amikor beszélt vele.
We need to act with delicacy in this matter.
Meaning
Sensitivity in handling situations or feelings
Collocations
handle with delicacy
|show great delicacy
|political delicacy
Synonyms
tact (Emphasizes diplomacy and appropriateness in speech and action.)
|
sensitivity (More general term for awareness of others' feelings.)
Antonyms
insensitivity (Lack of awareness or care for others' feelings.)
Themes
emotions
|communication
|relationships
Definition
Careful and kind behavior so you do not upset someone or cause trouble.
Skill and sensitivity in dealing with people, situations, or problems without causing offense or harm.
Grammar
Dictionary form
delicacy
IPA
GB/dˈɛlɪkəsi/
US/dˈɛlɪkəsi/
Syllables & stress
del - ic - acy (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (del)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: delicacy
- Plural: delicacies, delicacy
Word family
Forms
delicacies
noun
Core family
delicate
adjective A2
delicately
adverb B1
Negative and opposite forms
indelicate
adjective
Expressions
a local delicacy
1/ə lˈoʊkəl dˈɛlɪkəsi/
fixed phrase
Special food from a region
A food that is special and traditional in one place.
Examples
- Fried insects are a local delicacy in some regions.
- This cheese is a local delicacy from the mountains.
handle with delicacy
1/hˈændəl wˈɪθ dˈɛlɪkəsi/
fixed phrase
Treat carefully to avoid harm or offense
To be very careful when dealing with something or someone.
Examples
- These negotiations must be handled with delicacy.
- He handled the fragile package with delicacy.