fine in texture, quality, construction, etc.

a delicate lace collar.

fragile; easily damaged; frail

delicate porcelain; a delicate child.

so fine as to be scarcely perceptible; subtle

a delicate flavor.

soft or faint, as color

a delicate shade of pink.

fine or precise in action or execution; capable of responding to the slightest influence

a delicate instrument.

requiring great care, caution, or tact

a delicate international situation.

distinguishing subtle differences

a delicate eye; a delicate sense of smell.

exquisite or refined in perception or feeling; sensitive.

regardful of what is becoming, proper, etc.

a delicate sense of propriety.

mindful of or sensitive to the feelings of others

a delicate refusal.

dainty or choice, as food

delicate tidbits.

primly fastidious; squeamish

not a movie for the delicate viewer.

Obsolete . sensuous; voluptuous.

Archaic . a choice food; delicacy.

Obsolete . a source of pleasure; luxury.

adjective

coarse , harsh , heavy , indelicate , inelegant , robust , rough , strong , healthful , healthy , imprecise , indiscriminating , uncritical , insensitive , uncareful , unscrupulous , seeindelicate

adjective

aerial , balmy , breakable , choice , delectable , delicious , delightful , elegant , ethereal , exquisite , faint , filmy , fine , fine-grained , finespun , flimsy , fracturable , fragile , frail , frangible , gauzy , gentle , gossamery , graceful , hairline , mild , muted , nice , pale , pastel , rare , recherch , select , shatterable , shattery , slight , soft , subdued , subtle , superior , tender , ailing , debilitated , decrepit , feeble , infirm , slender , susceptible , unhealthy , weak , alert , careful , critical , dainty , fastidious , finical , finicking , finicky , particular , persnickety , prudish , pure , refined , scrupulous , sensitive , squeamish , thin-skinned , hair-trigger , precarious , ticklish , touchy , tricky , uncertain , unpredictable , volatile , accurate , adept , cautious , considerate , deft , detailed , diplomatic , discreet , expert , foresighted , heedful , masterly , minute , politic , precise , proficient , prudent , skilled , tactical , wary , insubstantial , puny , unsound , unsubstantial , weakly , brittle , tactful , touch-and-go , smooth , airy , beautiful , charming , epicene , lacy , light , luscious , mincing , overnice , petite , pleasant , sickly , silky , superfine , tenuous