Delicate



GRE TOEFL 考研

解释

GRE 红宝书

• adj. 柔软的, 娇嫩的;精致的, 优美的
• ［英］ adj. 柔软的, 娇嫩的 ( tender when touched) ; 精致的, 优美的 ( very carefully made )
• ［记］ de ( 一再) +lic ( 引诱) +ate -> 一再引诱人的 -> 精美的

Webster Collegiate

I. adjective

• Etymology: Middle English delicat, from Latin delicatus given to self-indulgence, fastidious, subtly pleasing, not robust; akin to Latin delicere to allure
• Date: 14th century
• 1. pleasing to the senses:
  • a. generally pleasant <the climate's delicate, the air most sweet — Shakespeare>
  • b. pleasing to the sense of taste or smell especially in a mild or subtle way <a delicate aroma><a robust wine will dominate delicate dishes>
  • c. marked by daintiness or charm of color, lines, or proportions <a delicate floral print><an ample tear trilled down her delicate cheek — Shakespeare>
  • d. marked by fineness of structure, workmanship, or texture <a delicate tracery><a delicate lace>
• 2.
  • a. marked by keen sensitivity or fine discrimination <delicate insights><a more delicate syntactic analysis — R. H. Robins>
  • b. fastidious, squeamish <a person of delicate tastes>
• 3.
  • a. not robust in health or constitution ; weak, sickly <had been considered a delicate child>
  • b. easily torn or damaged ; fragile <the delicate chain of life>
• 4.
  • a. requiring careful handling:
    • (1) easily unsettled or upset <a delicate balance><the delicate relationships defined by the Constitution — New Yorker>
    • (2) requiring skill or tact <in a delicate position><delicate negotiations><a delicate operation>
    • (3) involving matters of a deeply personal nature ; sensitive <this is a delicate matter. Could I possibly speak to you alone — Daphne Du Maurier>
  • b. marked by care, skill, or tact <delicate handling of a difficult situation>
• 5. marked by great precision or sensitivity <a delicate instrument>
• Synonyms: see choice
• ? delicately adverb

II. noun

• Date: 15th century
• something delicate

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