delicacy
gb/dˈɛlɪkəsi/ us/dˈɛlɪkəsi/
B1
English
~ 4700
Senses
0 senses
Noun
B1
entity
1
A rare or special food item
A special food that is hard to find or costs a lot of money.
Usage pattern:
[someone] enjoys [a delicacy]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'delicacy' with 'delicateness', which refers to being fragile or gentle.
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.)
Collocations
local delicacy
|rare delicacy
|seafood delicacy
|exotic delicacy
|culinary delicacy
Themes
food
|culture
|luxury
|food_drink
Examples
- Truffles are considered a delicacy in many countries.
- In Japan, fugu fish is a delicacy prepared by licensed chefs.
- 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.
- Sushi is a delicacy in many places.
- That cheese is a delicacy from France.
Noun
B2
property
2
The state of being fragile or sensitive
The state of being easy to break or harm.
Usage pattern:
the delicacy of [something]
Synonyms
fragility (Direct synonym but slightly more common in physical contexts.)
Antonyms
durability (Opposite quality, meaning ability to withstand damage.)
Collocations
delicacy of the fabric
|delicacy of the glass
|delicacy of the flowers
Themes
properties
|materials
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The delicacy of the antique vase required careful handling.
- She admired the delicacy of the lace curtains.
- The watchmaker worked with great care due to the delicacy of the parts.
Learner examples
- The vase has great delicacy.
- We must be careful with the delicacy of this glass.
- The flower shows its delicacy in the wind.
Noun
B2
property
3
Sensitivity in handling situations or feelings
Careful and kind behavior so you do not upset someone or cause trouble.
Usage pattern:
[someone] shows delicacy in [situation]
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.)
Collocations
handle with delicacy
|show great delicacy
|political delicacy
Themes
emotions
|communication
|relationships
Examples
- He handled the negotiations with great delicacy.
- The doctor spoke with delicacy when giving the diagnosis.
- Such matters require delicacy and discretion.
Learner examples
- She spoke with great delicacy.
- He showed delicacy when talking to her.
- We need to act with delicacy in this matter.
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.