[more del*i*cate; most del*i*cate] 1 a : easily broken or damaged ▪ The cup is very delicate [=fragile], so please handle it carefully. ▪ delicate flowers b : easily injured, hurt, or made sick ▪ Her health is very delicate. [=frail] ▪ He has a delicate stomach and often gets sick when traveling.
2 a : attractive and made up of small or fine parts ▪ The fabric has a delicate floral print. ▪ a small boy with delicate (facial) features ▪ She has delicate hands. [=small and attractive hands] b : very carefully and beautifully made ▪ We hung delicate lace curtains in the windows. ▪ The tomb was adorned with delicate carvings.
3 : attractive because of being soft, gentle, light, etc. : pleasant or attractive in a way that is not too strong ▪ the delicate flavor of the wine ▪ a delicate perfume/sauce ▪ a delicate color
4 : easily disturbed or upset ▪ Many people struggle to maintain the delicate balance between work and family. ▪ The violence in the film offended her delicate sensibilities. ▪ The movie is not for delicate [=squeamish] people.
5 : requiring special care or skill : difficult to manage or do well ▪ The doctor performed the delicate operation. ▪ This is a delicate situation that needs to be handled carefully. ▪ The situation calls for a very delicate approach.