delicate
gb/dˈɛlɪkɪt/ us/dˈɛlɪkɪt/
A2
English
~ 1800
Senses
0 senses
adjective
A2
property
1
Easily damaged or broken
Easy to break or damage because it is thin or light.
Usage pattern:
[something] is delicate
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'delicate' with 'elegant', but 'delicate' here means physically fragile, not stylish.
Synonyms
fragile (Implies vulnerability to damage, often physical.)
Antonyms
durable (Describes something strong and able to last without damage.)
Collocations
delicate fabric
|delicate glass
|delicate structure
|delicate flowers
Themes
daily life
|objects
|materials
|daily_life
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The antique vase is very delicate, so handle it with care.
- These flowers are too delicate to survive the cold weather.
- She wore a dress made from delicate silk.
Learner examples
- The cup is delicate.
- The flower is delicate.
- The box is delicate.
adjective
B1
property
2
Needing careful handling
Needing to be dealt with carefully because it is easy to upset or damage.
Usage pattern:
a delicate [situation/matter/task]
Common mistake:
Learners may incorrectly apply 'delicate' to situations where 'difficult' fits better; 'delicate' implies special care or tact.
Synonyms
sensitive (Emphasizes emotional or social caution rather than physical fragility.)
Antonyms
straightforward (Easy to handle without special care.)
Collocations
delicate situation
|delicate matter
|delicate negotiations
Themes
emotions
|communication
|work
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- They are discussing a delicate political issue.
- Handling customer complaints can be a delicate matter.
- He has a delicate role in the peace talks.
Learner examples
- This is a delicate question.
- We have a delicate job today.
- It is a delicate problem.
adjective
B1
property
3
Fine and light in appearance or texture
Looking or feeling light, thin, and beautiful.
Usage pattern:
delicate [features/design/pattern]
Synonyms
dainty (Small, pretty, and often fragile-looking.)
Antonyms
coarse (Rough in texture or appearance.)
Collocations
delicate features
|delicate lace
|delicate design
Themes
art
|appearance
|nature
|core_vocabulary
|arts_entertainment
Examples
- She painted the scene with delicate brushstrokes.
- The cake was decorated with delicate sugar flowers.
- His face had delicate features.
Learner examples
- The dress has a delicate pattern.
- She has a delicate face.
- The bird has delicate wings.
adjective
B2
property
4
Subtle pleasant taste or smell
Tasting or smelling nice in a soft way, not strong.
Usage pattern:
delicate [flavor/aroma/scent]
Synonyms
subtle (Suggests something understated and refined.)
Antonyms
strong (Intense and easily noticeable in taste or smell.)
Collocations
delicate flavor
|delicate aroma
|delicate scent
Themes
food
|senses
|food_drink
Examples
- The soup has a delicate flavor of herbs.
- This tea has a delicate aroma.
- The perfume is light and delicate.
Learner examples
- The cake has a delicate taste.
- I smell a delicate flower.
- The tea is delicate.
adjective
B2
property
5
Physically weak or fragile in health
Not strong and becoming sick easily.
Usage pattern:
[someone] is delicate
Synonyms
frail (Physically weak, especially due to age or illness.)
Antonyms
robust (Strong and healthy.)
Collocations
delicate constitution
|delicate health
Themes
health
|body
Examples
- She has been in delicate health since childhood.
- His constitution is too delicate for strenuous exercise.
- The patient was too delicate to travel.
Learner examples
- My grandmother is delicate.
- He is in delicate health.
- The baby is delicate.
Grammar
Dictionary form
delicate
IPA
GB/dˈɛlɪkɪt/
US/dˈɛlɪkɪt/
Syllables & stress
del - ic - ate (3 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (del)
Word forms
Adjective
- Base: delicate
Word family
Core family
delicately
adverb B1
delicacy
noun B1
Negative and opposite forms
indelicate
adjective
Expressions
a delicate balance
1/ə dˈɛlɪkɪt bˈæləns/
fixed phrase
Situation needing careful proportion control
A situation where different things must be kept equal carefully.
Examples
- Maintaining work-life harmony is often a delicate balance.
- The ecosystem depends on a delicate balance of species.
in delicate health
1/ˈɪn dˈɛlɪkɪt hˈɛlθ/
fixed phrase
Physically weak or sickly condition
Not strong and often sick.
Examples
- She has been in delicate health for years.
- His mother is in delicate health these days.
tread carefully
1/tɹˈɛd kˈɛɹfəli/
idiom
Act with great caution
To be very careful about what you do or say.
Examples
- You should tread carefully when giving criticism.
- They are treading carefully to avoid making mistakes.
tread carefully
2/tɹˈɛd kˈɛɹfəli/
idiom
Act cautiously to avoid offense or trouble
Be careful what you do or say so you do not cause trouble.
Examples
- You need to tread carefully when discussing politics at work.
- He tread carefully around the subject of her family.
handle with care
1/hˈændəl wˈɪθ kˈɛɹ/
fixed phrase
Treat gently to avoid damage
Be very careful when you touch or move this thing so it does not break.
Examples
- The box is marked 'Fragile: Handle with care'.
- These boxes contain glassware, so please handle with care.
- The box says "Fragile: handle with care" on the side.
- Please handle with care; it's very old and valuable.
- Fragile items must be handled with care during shipping.
- These samples are very delicate, so please handle them with care.