Delicately
/ˈdɛlɪkətli/
Definitions
2 meaningsIn a refined, careful, and sensitive way; with consideration for others' feelings or the fragility of something.
/ˈdɛlɪkətli/
In a careful, gentle, or refined manner
She delicately removed the splinter from his finger.
💡 Simply: Imagine you're holding a butterfly. You want to be super careful not to squish it! That's how you do things *delicately*: with a light touch and a lot of care, like when you’re making a fancy cake or talking about a friend's secret.
👶 For kids: Doing something very carefully and gently, like holding a tiny flower.
More Examples
The surgeon delicately repaired the damaged tissue.
The old woman delicately sipped her tea.
How It's Used
"The artist delicately applied the paint to the canvas."
"She delicately handled the sensitive topic with her friend."
"The chef delicately arranged the garnish on the plate."
In a way that is characterized by fine detail or subtle nuance.
/ˈdɛlɪkətli/
In a way that is fine and subtle
The sculptor delicately carved the details in the marble.
💡 Simply: Like a secret ingredient in a recipe that adds a special taste. It's a subtle, almost invisible way of doing things that has a powerful effect. For example, a chef might *delicately* season the sauce.
👶 For kids: When something is done in a super tiny and fancy way that's hard to notice.
More Examples
The artist delicately shaded the colors in the painting.
The musician delicately performed the complex melody.
How It's Used
"The perfumer delicately blended the scents."
"The violinist delicately played the high notes."
Idioms & expressions
handle something with kid gloves
To treat something with extreme care and caution, often because it is sensitive or potentially volatile.
"The company's CEO knows they need to handle the merger with kid gloves to avoid employee backlash."
a delicate balance
A situation where multiple factors must be maintained in a very precise or careful way to avoid failure or negative consequences.
"The government has to maintain a delicate balance between economic growth and environmental protection."
From Middle English *delicat*, from Old French *delicat* (14c.), from Latin *delicatus* ('alluring, delightful, giving pleasure, refined, dainty'), from *deliciae* ('delights, pleasures').
Used to describe fine craftsmanship, moral refinement, or cautious behavior since the 17th century. Often found in literature and philosophical texts.
Memory tip
Think of a ballerina, moving *delicately* across the stage.
Word Origin
"delightful, giving pleasure, refined, dainty"