delicacy

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delicacy" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to refer to a rare or luxurious food item, or to describe a sensitive or delicate situation. Example: "The chef prepared a delicacy that was both exquisite and unique, showcasing the finest ingredients."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Inc are definitely on the indie side of the equation, but here in one chord change (it's in the refrain) they summon up the ghosts of Vandross and O'Neal and all that emotional delicacy that is straight R&B's stock in trade.

The Guardian - Music

There's space in between each part of the note and incredible delicacy in the way he turns phrases.

The Guardian - Music

Where most new buildings wrap themselves in cladding, this selectively reveals its structure and workings, in a way that allows different degrees of scale, and of strength and delicacy, from sheer glass to robust steel, to the filigree workings of lifts.

The Guardian - Arts

Lardo di colonnata, commonly referred to as lardo, is considered a delicacy from the Tuscan region of Italy.

The Guardian

"My hand trembles, my heart palpitates... he's six foot high, with the body of an athlete by Praxiteles and a face – oh incredible – the mystery of Botticelli, the refinement and delicacy of a Chinese print... ...... Mallory was then 23, and Strachey 29.

The Guardian

While predecessor Tobey Maguire is a fine comedic actor with self-effacing googly eyed charm, there are moments in The Amazing Spider-Man 2 that require a starkness and delicacy that might have been beyond him.

The Guardian - Film

The usual suspects – har gau, curry buns, bean curd rolls, roast pork puffs, cheung fung – all put in an appearance, but they stand out here for their delicacy and the care taken in their preparation, as do the daily specials, from jellyfish salad to deep-fried soft-shell crab.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

There's a delicacy, indeed femininity, about the way his dark hair hangs around his pale, intense face; in repose there are times when he resembles Leonardo Da Vinci's "Mona Lisa".

The Guardian - Music

At Pasto there were numerous indications that I was approaching at last the heart of the Andes, including guinea pig, a famous Andean delicacy, being served at the local restaurants.

The Guardian - Travel

He moves with Japanese neatness and almost feline delicacy.

The Guardian - Film

After trying the delicacy – which looks like snails – Ukrainian student Dasha Khabarova told the BBC: "It's salty on the inside and very sweet on the outside.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing food, use "delicacy" to denote a rare or luxurious item. For sensitive situations, it emphasizes the need for tact and careful handling.

Common error

Avoid using "delicacy" to describe something merely pleasant or common. Reserve it for items or situations that genuinely require special care, skill, or are rare and exquisite.

Linguistic Context

The noun "delicacy" primarily functions to describe something that is rare, refined, or requires careful handling. This can refer to food, skills, or sensitive situations. Ludwig AI shows the versatile nature of this word through numerous examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

10%

Less common in

Academia

5%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The noun "delicacy" is a versatile term that describes something rare, refined, or requiring tactful handling. As evidenced by the numerous examples provided by Ludwig AI, "delicacy" finds frequent use in News & Media, Formal & Business, and various other contexts, marking its presence as a common term. The word denotes exclusivity when referring to "gourmet food" and indicates sensitivity when related to social situations. While grammatically sound, be mindful not to apply "delicacy" to mundane scenarios; its power lies in highlighting what's truly special or sensitive.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

gourmet food

Specifies that the "delicacy" is an expensive or rare food item.

exquisite dish

Highlights the exceptional quality and artistry of a culinary creation, akin to a "delicacy".

subtlety of touch

Highlights the nuanced skill required, echoing the "delicacy" of execution.

rare treat

Emphasizes the infrequency and enjoyment associated with something special, similar to a food-related "delicacy".

diplomatic finesse

Highlights the skill of handling situation with care and "delicacy".

rare commodity

Emphasizes the scarcity and preciousness, akin to a sought-after "delicacy".

artful skill

Emphasizes the refined skill, echoing the "delicacy" of execution in any task.

tactful approach

Replaces physical finesse with skillful handling of a situation, comparable to needing "delicacy" in sensitive matters.

sensitive issue

Indicates a situation requiring careful handling, mirroring the "delicacy" needed in certain contexts.

fine point

Focuses on the subtle and precise aspects, similar to the refinement implied in "delicacy".

FAQs

How can I use "delicacy" in a sentence?

You can use "delicacy" to refer to a rare or luxurious food item, as in, "Caviar is considered a "delicacy"". Alternatively, it can describe a sensitive situation, requiring tact.

What are some synonyms for "delicacy" when referring to food?

When referring to food, you can use alternatives like "treat", "gourmet food", or "exquisite dish" to convey the same meaning as "delicacy".

How does the meaning of "delicacy" change depending on the context?

In a culinary context, "delicacy" refers to a rare or luxurious food. In a social context, it describes the quality of being tactful or sensitive, similar to "discretion" or "finesse".

Is it appropriate to use "delicacy" in formal writing?

Yes, "delicacy" is appropriate for formal writing. It's a versatile word that can convey both the rarity of an item and the required tact in a situation, maintaining a level of sophistication suitable for formal contexts.