delicate
- Very fine and fragile, easily broken or damaged if not handled carefully.
- Needing careful and sensitive handling because the subject or situation is difficult or tricky.
In a sentence
- The museum worker wore gloves to handle the delicate glass sculptures without cracking them.
- Negotiating a peace deal between the two countries was a delicate matter that required great patience.
Usage note. 'Delicate' can describe physical fragility or a socially sensitive situation; do not confuse with 'indelicate,' which means tactless or slightly rude.
Where it comes from
English delicate · entered English 15th c.
From Latin 'delicatus,' meaning 'giving pleasure, alluring, or dainty,' possibly related to 'deliciae' (delight, pleasure). It passed through Old French before entering English in the 15th century. The sense of 'fragile' developed alongside an earlier meaning of 'luxurious' or 'pleasing to the senses.'