Word
delicately
Phoneticsdel·i·cate·ly, stress on the first syllable
US/ˈdɛɫəkətɫi/
UK/dˈɛlɪkətli/
Adverb of manner
Definition
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.
Examples
“She placed the glass vase delicately on the shelf.”
“The manager had to handle the situation delicately to avoid hurting anyone's feelings during the meeting.”
“The restorer worked delicately on the ancient manuscript, using fine tools to ensure the fragile parchment remained intact throughout the cleaning process.”
Examples
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.”
Usage
Typically follows the verb it modifies or the direct object.
Real-World Examples
“Unless you're a flamingo, spending time delicately poised on one leg isn't something you probably invest a lot of time in.” “She winces as a small cannula is delicately inserted into her cheek.” “Now add Brian Friel, whose sparkling script “after Turgenev” is spun so delicately that it appears both of its time and a universal story of pained love and marriage.” “I delicately slurped the coffee, which was aromatic and pleasantly acidic.” Etymology
From delicate + -ly.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Word family
ADJECTIVE
ADVERB
- 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.B2 FirstIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.5.5–6.5TOEFL 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: 4.0–4.572–94TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.785–944
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- B2 · Upper Intermediate
- Updated
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englishreference.com/q/delicately