delicacy
- 01 B2 Upper Intermediate
a type of food that is considered very special, rare, or expensive in a particular place.
a choice or expensive food item, often specific to a particular culture, that suggests rarity and refinement.
Simple“In some parts of the world, snails are considered a great delicacy.”
In context“The chef prepared a rare local delicacy involving fermented fish, which many tourists found challenging to eat despite its high price.”
- 02 C1 Advanced
the ability to handle a difficult or embarrassing situation with care so you do not upset anyone.
the quality of being sensitive and tactful in social situations, especially when dealing with private or difficult matters.
Simple“The lawyer handled the family's private questions with great delicacy.”
In context“The diplomat approached the border dispute with extreme delicacy, aware that a single wrong word could end the peace talks.”
SynonymsAntonymsclumsinessinsensitivity - 03 B2 Upper Intermediate
the quality of being thin, light, and beautiful in a way that looks easy to break.
fineness or elegance of construction, appearance, or texture; the state of being fragile or easily damaged.
Simple“The delicacy of the lace on the wedding dress was amazing.”
In context“The restoration expert marveled at the delicacy of the ancient glasswork, which had survived for centuries without a single crack.”
- 04 C2 Proficiency
a state of being physically weak or getting sick easily.
physical frailty or a lack of robust health, often implying a need for special care.
Simple“Because of the child's delicacy, he stayed indoors during the cold winter months.”
In context“Her lifelong delicacy prevented her from traveling to high-altitude regions, as her lungs could not handle the thin air.”
Antonyms
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.