delicacy
noun/ˈdelɪkəsi/
/ˈdelɪkəsi/
(plural delicacies)
- [uncountable] the fact of being, or appearing to be, easy to damage or break
- the delicacy of the fabric
- the exquisite delicacy of the embroidery
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- exquisite
- [uncountable] the quality of being done carefully and gently
- Great delicacy of touch is needed to keep the machine balanced.
- These objects are very old and should be treated with great delicacy.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- exquisite
- [uncountable] very careful behaviour in a difficult situation so that nobody is offended synonym tact
- She handled the situation with great sensitivity and delicacy.
- He handled the situation with extreme delicacy.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- extreme
- great
- utmost
- …
- with delicacy
- a matter of (some) delicacy
- [uncountable] the fact that a situation is difficult and somebody may be easily offended
- I need to talk to you about a matter of some delicacy.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- extreme
- great
- utmost
- …
- with delicacy
- a matter of (some) delicacy
- [countable] a type of food considered to be very special in a particular place synonym speciality
- local delicacies
- Dr Jaffrey handed us a plate of dates: traditionally the delicacy with which to break the Ramadan fast.
- The eggs of this bird are considered a great delicacy.
Oxford Collocations Dictionaryadjective- great
- exotic
- rare
- …
- be considered
- sample
- try
- …
Word Originlate Middle English (in the senses ‘voluptuousness’ and ‘luxuriousness’): from delicate + -acy.
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delicacy