a delicate veil

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a delicate veil" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe something that is fragile, subtle, or intricate, often in a metaphorical or literal sense. Example: "She wore a delicate veil that fluttered softly in the breeze, adding an ethereal quality to her appearance."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

However, a more ethereal mood characterises much of Dorazio's later work, from Sublimine Sublimis (1982) - in which a delicate veil of light is created from vertical threads of paint - to the etching Blue Night (1992-93) and his most recent canvases, exhibited in Valencia in 2003.

The Guardian

I've been feeling like a delicate veil has been lifted to reveal the gifts of momentary epiphanies that help me along on my parenting path.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

But what's amazing about her Medical Heirlooms series of ailing ceramics is how weirdly beautiful they are: a delicate white veil floats above the raw pink of the jar Psoriasis (pictured); Osteoporosis, meanwhile, first mottles at the neck then crumbles away at the lip.

Independent

Cranach pulled a delicate, transparent veil across her naked sex, the imminent piercing of her body by one weapon juxtaposed with the memory of another.

Los Angeles Times

Only Desdemona, the Canadian soprano Alexandra Deshorties, appears in simple dresses with delicate veils, a poignant touch that makes her seem an outsider.

The New York Times - Arts

Saana is noted for delicate, veil-like facades, and the museum has spoken of its desire to appear open to the neighboring community.

The New York Times - Arts

The delicate sketchlike technique and elegant figures of Watteau's wistful fantasies, called fêtes galantes, provided the models for the paintings of Jean-Baptiste Pater and Nicolas Lancret, both of whom conveyed a delicately veiled eroticism.

Encyclopedia Britannica

The thin brush strokes that make up her veil form a delicate cage, as in a Giacometti portrait.

The New York Times - Arts

Place your veil in a dryer with a "delicate" setting.

WikiHow

Erdem Moralioglu, whose saturated prints once identified the designer and influenced international fashion, made a delicate move: He spun dresses -- not to mention gloves -- from the finest lace that acted almost as a veil to print.

The New York Times

An enervated reflection on Bowie's Berlin days, it's full of references to his favourite haunts, viewed through a veil of watery, reverbed guitars like misted eyes, while the subtle touches of autotuning give the voice a delicate fragility appropriate to the ruminations of "a man lost in time... just walking the dead".

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "a delicate veil" metaphorically, ensure that the context clearly establishes what is being concealed or softened. This enhances the imagery and prevents misinterpretation.

Common error

Avoid using "a delicate veil" in overly literal descriptions where simpler terms like "thin fabric" or "light covering" would be more appropriate. Overuse can diminish the phrase's impact.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a delicate veil" primarily functions as a noun phrase, typically serving as a subject or object within a sentence. As exemplified in Ludwig, it describes a tangible or intangible entity possessing qualities of fragility and subtlety. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

67%

Wiki

17%

Encyclopedias

8%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a delicate veil" is a grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe something subtle, fragile, or intricately concealing. According to Ludwig, it's primarily found in News & Media contexts and evokes imagery of mystery and beauty. While its frequency is rare, its usage is well-established and understood. The phrase is best used when aiming for an evocative description, but should be avoided in overly literal contexts where simpler language would suffice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a fragile covering

Replaces "delicate" with "fragile" emphasizing the breakable nature of the covering.

a subtle screen

Substitutes "veil" with "screen" and "delicate" with "subtle" highlighting the gentle concealing aspect.

a thin shroud

Uses "shroud" instead of "veil" to suggest a covering that obscures something, with "thin" describing its texture.

an ethereal haze

Changes the visual metaphor to "haze", focusing on a misty and light appearance, with "ethereal" to convey a delicate quality.

a sheer curtain

Employs "curtain" in place of "veil", specifying it as "sheer" to denote its thin and delicate nature.

a gossamer layer

Replaces "veil" with "layer" and uses "gossamer" to indicate a light, fine, and delicate texture.

a fine membrane

Uses "membrane" instead of "veil", suggesting a thin and delicate protective layer.

a soft mask

Replaces "veil" with "mask", indicating something that covers or conceals softly.

a translucent film

Substitutes "veil" with "film", adding "translucent" to describe its see-through, delicate nature.

a gentle cover

Employs "cover" instead of "veil", using "gentle" to emphasize the softness and delicacy of the covering.

FAQs

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

You can use "a delicate veil" to describe something that subtly conceals or softens an appearance. For example, "The morning mist created "a delicate veil" over the mountains."

What can I say instead of "a delicate veil"?

Alternatives include "a fragile covering", "a subtle screen", or "a thin shroud", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

Is it correct to say 'a delicate veil of secrecy'?

Yes, "a delicate veil of secrecy" is a valid metaphorical usage, suggesting that the secrecy is fragile and easily broken. It implies that the secret is being carefully guarded but could be revealed.

What imagery does "a delicate veil" evoke?

The phrase "a delicate veil" evokes imagery of something light, thin, and almost ethereal, often suggesting partial concealment or a softening effect. It is often used to describe light, mist, or intangible barriers.