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.

noun

debility , decrepitude , delicacy , feebleness , flimsiness , fragileness , fragility , frailness , frailty , insubstantiality , puniness , unsoundness , unsubstantiality , weakliness , weakness