DELICATE - Definition & Meaning for Kids

Simple definitions and word synonyms for kids.

Part of speech: Adjective

exquisitely fine and subtle and pleasing; susceptible to injury

Example: a delicate violin passage; delicate china; a delicate flavor; the delicate wing of a butterfly

Part of speech: Adjective

marked by great skill especially in meticulous technique

Example: a surgeon's delicate touch

Part of speech: Adjective

easily broken or damaged or destroyed

Example: a kite too delicate to fly safely; fragile porcelain plates; fragile old bones; a frail craft

Part of speech: Adjective

easily hurt

Example: soft hands; a baby's delicate skin

Part of speech: Adjective

difficult to handle; requiring great tact

Example: delicate negotiations with the big powers; hesitates to be explicit on so ticklish a matter; a touchy subject

Part of speech: Adjective

of an instrument or device; capable of registering minute differences or changes precisely

Example: almost undetectable with even the most delicate instruments

The word "delicate" comes from Latin delicatus, which comes from Middle English delicat. Many other languages have similar words:

Roman military conquests permanently planted Latin vocabulary across three continents.