a delicate feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a delicate feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sensitive or subtle emotional state or perception. Example: "She had a delicate feeling about the situation, sensing that something was amiss even before anyone spoke."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

As a painter he combined a certain naiveté with a delicate feeling for nature and an exquisite sense of colour.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 human-written examples

It isn't that sadism can't be a laugh riot; it's just a question of modulation, of balancing the loud yuks and cruel jabs with some delicate feeling, mixing a real face in with the cartoons.

The New York Times

In the world of journalism, reporters and sources dance a delicate tango, feeling each other out for better information and better coverage.

Huffington Post

It's an affecting nugget, full of delicate feelings, delicately rendered, with easy melodies.

The New York Times - Arts

This nearly three-hour chronicle of the daily life and domestic turmoil of a middle-class Taipei family is so full of humor, life and delicate feeling that you may wish it were longer.

The New York Times

The delicate feeling of nausea that ensues as my eye wanders over these bijoux is as difficult to describe as it is predictable.

The New Yorker

The exception is the leisurely narrative of Les Amours de Psiché et de Cupidon (1669; The Loves of Cupid and Psyche), notable for the lucid elegance of its prose, its skillful blend of delicate feeling and witty banter, and some sly studies of feminine psychology.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Race, rape, religion; vaginal odours and terminally ill babies: where there are delicate feelings, Silverman is there, wielding a sharp fingernail.

The Guardian

She proceeded to give a serious, sturdy speech of a certain kind; if not quite AIPAC-ready, it was a speech extremely careful not to ruffle anyone's delicate feelings or becloud her last days as Secretary of State.

The New Yorker

But as Ms. Dalley makes clear, Diana was not one to fret about the delicate feelings of others.

The New York Times - Books

And "(500) Days" finds just the right scale and tone, neither trivializing nor melodramatically overstating the delicate feelings it explores.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a delicate feeling" when you want to convey a sense of subtlety and sensitivity in emotional experiences. It's especially effective when describing art, interpersonal relationships, or nuanced observations of nature.

Common error

Avoid using "a delicate feeling" in situations that demand strong, overt emotions. Overusing it in such contexts can come across as affected or insincere. Strong words and expressions may better suit your content and tone instead.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a delicate feeling" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where 'delicate' modifies 'feeling'. It describes a particular type of emotional state or sensation. Ludwig AI examples show it is used to portray sensitivity or nuance.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

50%

Science

0%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a delicate feeling" is a phrase used to describe a subtle and sensitive emotional state or perception. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability in English. While not exceedingly common, it finds use in various contexts, including news and encyclopedic writing. Related phrases offer alternative ways to express similar concepts, emphasizing subtlety, sensitivity, or emotional nuance. When employing this phrase, it's important to consider the context to ensure that the intended meaning is accurately conveyed. Avoiding overuse in overtly sentimental contexts ensures that the phrase retains its impact and sincerity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a subtle emotion

Focuses on the understated nature of the feeling.

a tender sentiment

Emphasizes the gentle and affectionate quality of the feeling.

a fine sensibility

Highlights the refined and sensitive nature of one's perception.

a fragile emotion

Stresses the vulnerability and easiness with which this emotion can be hurt.

a nuanced sense

Highlights the complex and subtle understanding or perception.

a faint sensation

Focuses on the weak intensity or lack of clarity of the feeling.

a muted emotion

Implies the feeling is suppressed or restrained in its expression.

a rarefied sensitivity

Suggests an uncommon and highly refined capacity for feeling.

a suppressed feeling

Focuses on the act of holding back or concealing the emotion.

a subdued emotion

Implies a reduced intensity or diminished expression of the feeling.

FAQs

How can I use "a delicate feeling" in a sentence?

You can use "a delicate feeling" to describe a subtle emotional state or perception, as in "She approached the situation with "a delicate feeling", sensing underlying tensions".

What are some alternatives to "a delicate feeling"?

Depending on the context, you might use alternatives like "a subtle emotion", "a tender sentiment", or "a fine sensibility".

Is "a delicate feeling" too formal for casual conversation?

"A delicate feeling" is appropriate for both formal and informal contexts, though in casual conversation, simpler terms like "a hunch" or "a sense" might be more common.

What does it mean to have "a delicate feeling" about something?

To have "a delicate feeling" about something means to have a subtle or sensitive awareness or intuition about it, often involving emotions or perceptions that are not immediately obvious.