delicacy
Americannoun
plural
delicacies-
fineness of texture, quality, etc.; softness; daintiness.
the delicacy of lace.
- Antonyms:
- coarseness
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something delightful or pleasing, especially a choice food considered with regard to its rarity, costliness, or the like.
Caviar is a great delicacy.
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the quality of being easily broken or damaged; fragility.
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the quality of requiring or involving great care or tact.
negotiations of great delicacy.
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extreme sensitivity; precision of action or operation; minute accuracy.
the delicacy of a skillful surgeon's touch; a watch mechanism of unusual delicacy.
- Synonyms:
- discrimination, sensitivity, circumspection, consideration, prudence
-
fineness of perception or feeling; sensitiveness.
the delicacy of the pianist's playing.
- Antonyms:
- coarseness
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fineness of feeling with regard to what is fitting, proper, etc..
Delicacy would not permit her to be rude.
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sensitivity with regard to the feelings of others.
She criticized him with such delicacy that he was not offended.
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bodily weakness; liability to sickness; frailty.
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Linguistics. (especially in systemic linguistics) the degree of minuteness pursued at a given stage of analysis in specifying distinctions in linguistic description.
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Obsolete. sensuous indulgence; luxury.
noun
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fine or subtle quality, character, construction, etc
delicacy of craftsmanship
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fragile, soft, or graceful beauty
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something that is considered choice to eat, such as caviar
-
fragile construction or constitution; frailty
-
refinement of feeling, manner, or appreciation
the delicacy of the orchestra's playing
-
fussy or squeamish refinement, esp in matters of taste, propriety, etc
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need for tactful or sensitive handling
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accuracy or sensitivity of response or operation, as of an instrument
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(in systemic grammar) the level of detail at which a linguistic description is made; the degree of fine distinction in a linguistic description
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obsolete gratification, luxury, or voluptuousness
Other Word Forms
- hyperdelicacy noun
Etymology
Origin of delicacy
First recorded in 1325–75, delicacy is from the Middle English word delicasie. See delicate, -cy
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
She retains the delicacy of the instrumentation, but introduces a gorgeous complexity that, in someone else’s hands, would be too much, but here, simply enhances the vocal delivery.
From Salon
Stuffed cabbages, for example, are a hearty delicacy that transcends geographical borders.
From Salon
Characters state the obvious and the dialogue has the delicacy of a sledgehammer.
From Los Angeles Times
“Here we are,” Auntie North said, returning with a tray full of delicacies— little cakes and colorful cookies.
From Literature
Courtesy of Trader Joe’s Irish supplier, the Garlic Butter Irish Potato Chips unite Ireland’s most celebrated spud-themed delicacies in holy matrimony.
From Salon
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
