Delicacy is the quality of being easy to break or harm, and refers especially to people or things that are attractive or graceful.
...the delicacy of a rose. [+ of]
Synonyms: daintiness, charm, grace, elegance More Synonyms of delicacy
2. uncountable noun
If you say that a situation or problem is of some delicacy, you mean that it is difficult to handle and needs careful and sensitive treatment.
There is a matter of some delicacy which I would like to discuss.
He sensed the delicacy of the situation.
Synonyms: difficulty, sensitivity, stickiness [informal], precariousness More Synonyms of delicacy
3. uncountable noun [oft withNOUN]
If someone handles a difficult situation withdelicacy, they handle it very carefully, making sure that nobody is offended.
Both countries are behaving with rare delicacy.
He's shown considerable delicacy and tact in feeling the public mood.
Synonyms: sensitivity, understanding, consideration, judgment More Synonyms of delicacy
4. countable noun
A delicacy is a rare or expensive food that is considered especially nice to eat.
Smoked salmon was considered an expensive delicacy.
We were served course after course of mouthwatering local delicacies.
Synonyms: treat, luxury, goody, savoury More Synonyms of delicacy
More Synonyms of delicacy
delicacy in British English
(ˈdɛlɪkəsɪ)
nounWord forms: plural-cies
1.
fine or subtle quality, character, construction, etc
delicacy of craftsmanship
2.
fragile, soft, or graceful beauty
3.
something that is considered choice to eat, such as caviar
4.
fragile construction or constitution; frailty
5.
refinement of feeling, manner, or appreciation
the delicacy of the orchestra's playing
6.
fussy or squeamish refinement, esp in matters of taste, propriety, etc
7.
need for tactful or sensitive handling
8.
accuracy or sensitivity of response or operation, as of an instrument
9.
(in systemic grammar) the level of detail at which a linguistic description is made; the degree of fine distinction in a linguistic description
10. obsolete
gratification, luxury, or voluptuousness
delicacy in American English
(ˈdɛlɪkəsi)
nounWord forms: pluralˈdelicacies
1.
the quality of being delicate as in taste, odor, or texture
2.
fragile beauty or graceful slightness, softness, etc.; fineness
the delicacy of a petal, of spun glass, or of a child's face
3.
weakness of constitution or health; frailty
4.
the quality or condition of needing careful and deft handling
negotiations of great delicacy
5.
fineness of feeling, observation, or appreciation
delicacy of musical taste
6.
sensitiveness of response
the delicacy of a compass
7.
fineness of touch, skill, etc.
8.
a fine regard for the feelings of others
9.
a sensitive or, sometimes, finicky distaste for what is considered improper or offensive
10.
a choice food
caviar and other delicacies
11. Obsolete
luxuriousness
Word origin
ME delicacie < ML delicacia < L delicatus: see delicate
Examples of 'delicacy' in a sentence
delicacy
On our visit we were pampered by hotel staff with local delicacies including a delicious bubbling cauldron of fondue at the bottom of one of the pistes.
Times, Sunday Times (2016)
Food is less available and expensive food such as red meat is a rare delicacy.
Wallace, Louise M & Bundy, Christine Coping with Angina (1990)
He had a delicacy of feeling and tact.
Times, Sunday Times (2006)
This was the fishery for what was considered a local delicacy.
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
It specialises in seasonal local delicacies.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The giant ocean mammals are considered a delicacy in Japan.
The Sun (2008)
South Devon crab is a neglected delicacy in this country.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
But how else to convey their fine, meticulous delicacy?
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
Didn't she love to eat that delicacy when he cooked it?
Times, Sunday Times (2015)
It lacks the fluidity, delicacy and grace of the best.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
Once an expensive delicacy, it is now farmed extensively so is relatively cheap.
Times, Sunday Times (2009)
The police deployment lasted some four hours, which gives an indication of the delicacy of the situation.
Times, Sunday Times (2010)
But it would be a shame not get an authentic taste of island street food and home-made local delicacies.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
They're considered a real delicacy and are meant to pick up the flavours of the dish they are cooked in.
Times, Sunday Times (2014)
Today I cannot help but call to mind that great delicacy of love that she had for him.
Bertodano, Theresa (ed.) Daily Readings with Mother Theresa (1993)
There was something almost old-fashioned about his sweetness, about his sensitivity and delicacy.
Times, Sunday Times (2008)
They're not going to kill us, and many countries eat them as delicacies.
Times, Sunday Times (2013)
But here they finally were - cast in the role of massive underdogs - a rare delicacy back home.
The Sun (2010)
It seems amazing that some of these delicacies, so expensive today, used to be the food of the poor.
Times, Sunday Times (2007)
In other languages
delicacy
British English: delicacy NOUN
Delicacy is the quality of being easy to break or harm, and refers especially to people or things that are attractive or graceful.