Delicate Meaning
Delicate Definition & Usage
Easily broken, damaged, or injured due to fragility or sensitivity.
Examples
- "The delicate glass vase shattered when it fell off the shelf."
- "She had delicate skin that would turn red easily under the sun."
- "He handled the ancient manuscript with delicate care."
- "The artist’s delicate brushstrokes brought the painting to life."
- "The delicate fabric of the gown made it unsuitable for outdoor wear."
Requiring careful treatment due to its complexity, sensitivity, or emotional depth.
Examples
- "Her delicate emotions made it hard for her to hear criticism."
- "They had a delicate conversation about their future together."
- "His delicate balance of kindness and authority made him an effective leader."
- "The issue of race is delicate and should be approached with respect."
- "Managing the delicate situation at work required a thoughtful approach."
Graceful, subtle, or refined in appearance or behavior.
Examples
- "She wore a delicate lace dress that seemed to float around her."
- "The tea was served in delicate china cups with intricate patterns."
- "His delicate manners were appreciated by everyone at the dinner party."
- "The restaurant's delicate presentation of the dish impressed the critics."
- "Her delicate taste in art was evident in her collection of minimalist paintings."
Cultural Context
The term 'delicate' has been used in English since the late Middle Ages, primarily in the context of luxury and fine quality. Over time, it has come to describe anything fragile or sensitive, whether physical or emotional. In various cultures, delicacy in art, manners, and cuisine are often associated with sophistication and refinement.
The Delicate Balance
Story
The Delicate Balance
In the heart of a bustling city, Marissa was known for her delicate touch, both in her work and her personal life. As an artist, she had a knack for creating sculptures so fragile they seemed to almost defy gravity. One evening, she was tasked with presenting a new piece to a group of influential art critics. The piece, made from glass and threads of gold, was delicate beyond measure, requiring the utmost care in transport and presentation. As she carefully placed the sculpture on the pedestal, she noticed that the critics were watching her every move, their faces lined with both admiration and skepticism. One critic, an older man with a penchant for bold statements, spoke up, "This piece is beautiful, but I wonder if its delicate nature is too fragile for the modern world. It’s almost as if it requires protection from reality itself." Marissa smiled softly, her gaze lingering on the sculpture. "The world can be delicate," she replied, "but beauty often lies in that fragility. If we shield it from harm, we protect its essence." Later that night, as she sat alone in her studio, her thoughts drifted to the delicate relationships in her life. The criticism had stung more than she let on, but it was the delicate balance she maintained between her art and her personal connections that kept her grounded. She knew that, like her sculptures, her friendships required care, attention, and patience to avoid breaking under the weight of misunderstandings. The next morning, the critics praised her work. They recognized not only the delicate craftsmanship but the emotional depth it conveyed—how something so fragile could hold such strength. Marissa realized that her work, and her life, was an intricate dance of vulnerability and resilience, where delicacy was not a weakness, but a form of strength.
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