ENGLISH
REFERENCE

delicately

adv. manner
B2 Upper Intermediate US //ˈdɛɫəkətɫi// UK //dˈɛlɪkətli// del·i·cate·ly

adv. in a very careful or gentle way. You do this when you are handling something that breaks easily or when you are dealing with a difficult situation.

adv. in a manner that is careful, precise, or sensitive to potential damage or offense.


SIMPLE

She placed the glass vase delicately on the shelf.

CONTEXTUAL

The manager had to handle the situation delicately to avoid hurting anyone's feelings during the meeting.

COMPLEX

The restorer worked delicately on the ancient manuscript, using fine tools to ensure the fragile parchment remained intact throughout the cleaning process.

Synonyms
Origin

From delicate + -ly.

Usage

Typically follows the verb it modifies or the direct object.

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