Word
delicacy
Phoneticsdel·i·ca·cy, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdɛɫəkəsi/
UK/dˈɛlɪkəsi/
Definitions
01rare or expensive food
B2 · Upper Intermediate Countable noun Cooking
n. a type of food that is considered very special, rare, or expensive in a particular place.
n. a choice or expensive food item, often specific to a particular culture, that suggests rarity and refinement.
“In some parts of the world, snails are considered a great delicacy.”
“The chef prepared a rare local delicacy involving fermented fish, which many tourists found challenging to eat despite its high price.”
02tact and sensitivity
C1 · Advanced Uncountable noun Formal
n. the ability to handle a difficult or embarrassing situation with care so you do not upset anyone.
n. the quality of being sensitive and tactful in social situations, especially when dealing with private or difficult matters.
“The lawyer handled the family's private questions with great delicacy.”
“The diplomat approached the border dispute with extreme delicacy, aware that a single wrong word could end the peace talks.”
Synonyms
Antonyms
03fineness of construction
B2 · Upper Intermediate Uncountable noun
n. the quality of being thin, light, and beautiful in a way that looks easy to break.
n. fineness or elegance of construction, appearance, or texture; the state of being fragile or easily damaged.
“The delicacy of the lace on the wedding dress was amazing.”
“The restoration expert marveled at the delicacy of the ancient glasswork, which had survived for centuries without a single crack.”
Antonyms
04frailty of health
C2 · Proficiency Uncountable noun Literary · Formal
n. a state of being physically weak or getting sick easily.
n. physical frailty or a lack of robust health, often implying a need for special care.
“Because of the child's delicacy, he stayed indoors during the cold winter months.”
“Her lifelong delicacy prevented her from traveling to high-altitude regions, as her lungs could not handle the thin air.”
Antonyms
Real-World Examples
“Black teatfish is a highly valued delicacy in some cultures and is fished in Australia, the Pacific Islands and Southeast Asia.” “Ants are eaten and sometimes even valued as a delicacy in several Asian, African and Latin American cultures.” Etymology
From Middle English delicacie, from Middle English delicat, from Latin delicatus. Equivalent to delicate + -cy.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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