delicate

If something is easily broken or made of breakable material, the word "delicate" might be a good choice. Glass, ceramics, and pottery are all delicate. This adjective can also be applied to food, people, music, and situations.

• You have to be careful with that vase. It’s very delicate.
• The petals on the flower were so delicate, they fell off when I touched them.
• Ted and Nasra’s marriage has created a delicate situation for their families. He’s Catholic and she’s Muslim.
• This dessert has a soft and delicate flavor.
• You have to be careful with babies. They’re very delicate and need to be handled carefully.

A glass vase is very delicate.

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This page was first published on July 16, 2012. It was updated on March 6, 2016.