Words / B2

DEL-ik-uh-t/ˈdelɪkət/

Delicate means easy to damage, or needing tact: delicate equipment; a delicate issue; delicate negotiations. Fragile is close for objects; sensitive is close for topics. Do not call a blunt Ofsted letter delicate. Pay talks at a delicate stage. Mix-up: delicious is about taste.

Meaning

Easy to damage; also needing careful, tactful handling.

Examples

• “Pay talks are at a delicate stage after the walkout.”
• “Handle the archive maps; they are delicate, which is the physical sense.”

Good to know

a delicate issue / stage / balance. Objects: fragile. Topics: sensitive. Mix-up: delicious. Diplomacy and labs. Not a synonym of weak in every sentence.

Near in meaning

fragile

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