delicate emotions

USAGE SUMMARY

'delicate emotions' is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to refer to subtle, fragile, and/or complex feelings. For example, "Jane felt a mixture of delicate emotions when she opened her acceptance letter to college."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 human-written examples

But the very intimacy of Klimt's sensuous sketches opens up a new dimension of this artist and his ability to convey delicate emotions in a deviously arched eyebrow or pursed lip.An exhibition at the Musée Maillol in Paris brings together some 120 erotic drawings that explore the naked female form without the ornament or adornment that is typical of the artist's better-known works.

The Economist

As I walked over this kaleidoscope of merging patterns of colour and form in the company of the director of the Pollock Krasner House, Helen A Harrison, I couldn't help feel that I was trampling on Pollock's delicate emotions – even though I was wearing a pair of bright blue plastic protective slippers.

Independent

But Eastwood finds himself in a bind: he doesn't want to exploit the gruesome material, or even let us see it too clearly, since killing children, as a movie spectacle, doesn't fit well with the delicate emotions aroused by a woman longing for her son.

The New Yorker

Ollie is equipped to demonstrate humor and patterns of delicate emotions.

TechCrunch

He said Eastwood was presented with the problem of not wanting to exploit the "gruesome" material because this would contrast poorly with the delicate emotions of a woman's longing for her missing son.

Wikipedia

Another story line involving a young acquaintance of the lead duo mixes fear, pain and loss in a beautifully evocative way, and it convinced me that "Penny Dreadful's" interests lie not in shocking but in evoking far more complex and even delicate emotions.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

The comedy is now ripely Apatovian — a mixture of desperately filthy talk and the most tender, even delicate, emotion.

The New Yorker

SEÁN CURRAN COMPANY At his best, Curran is a poet of delicate emotion and a large-spirited, open loveliness.

The New Yorker

Like "The 40-Year-Old Virgin" and "Knocked Up," the movie combines desperately filthy talk with the most tender, even delicate, emotion.

The New Yorker

There are no weak links in a cast who play each and every character with thrilling distinctiveness and a mix of delicate emotion and joyous swagger.

The Guardian

Loretta Krupinski's work, whether it is small and decorative or colorfully moody, is successful as long as she does not let an overdose of the cutes, to which this publisher seems prone, gum up the delicate emotion of a piece.

The New York Times - Books

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's internal state in fiction, using "delicate emotions" can effectively convey their vulnerability and sensitivity.

Common error

While "delicate emotions" is appropriate in creative or descriptive contexts, avoid its overuse in formal or business writing. Opt for more precise and professional terms to maintain a neutral and objective tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delicate emotions" functions as a noun phrase, where 'delicate' modifies the noun 'emotions'. The primary grammatical function is to describe a specific type of emotional state, emphasizing its fragility and subtlety. As supported by Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

66%

Wiki

16%

Encyclopedias

16%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "delicate emotions" is a grammatically correct and usable phrase that describes subtle, fragile, or complex feelings. As confirmed by Ludwig, this phrase effectively conveys vulnerability and sensitivity, frequently appearing in News & Media. While "delicate emotions" isn't overly formal, it's best to use it in appropriate contexts, avoiding overuse in formal or business writing. Consider alternative phrases like "fragile feelings" or "tender emotions" to diversify your writing. Ultimately, understanding its appropriate use and potential alternatives can enhance your ability to express nuanced emotional states effectively.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

fragile feelings

Replaces "emotions" with "feelings", emphasizing the vulnerability and sensitivity.

tender emotions

Substitutes "delicate" with "tender", highlighting the gentle and affectionate aspect of the emotions.

subtle feelings

Uses "subtle" instead of "delicate", focusing on the understated and nuanced nature of the emotions.

sensitive emotions

Emphasizes the responsiveness and susceptibility to external stimuli.

easily hurt feelings

Focuses on the vulnerability and susceptibility to being wounded emotionally.

vulnerable emotions

Highlights the susceptibility to being harmed or exploited emotionally.

raw emotions

Suggests emotions that are exposed and unfiltered, without the connotation of fragility.

fleeting emotions

Focuses on the transient and ephemeral nature of the emotions.

suppressed emotions

Implies emotions that are held back or restrained, contrasting with the openness of "delicate emotions".

unspoken feelings

Shifts the focus to emotions that are not expressed verbally, adding a layer of complexity and implication.

FAQs

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

You can use "delicate emotions" to describe feelings that are easily affected or subtle, such as, "The movie sensitively portrayed the character's "delicate emotions" during the difficult scene".

What are some alternatives to "delicate emotions"?

Depending on the context, you could use phrases like "fragile feelings", "tender emotions", or "subtle feelings" to convey similar meanings.

Is it appropriate to use "delicate emotions" in academic writing?

While not inherently inappropriate, consider the tone and purpose of your academic writing. In many cases, more precise and objective language may be preferable. Using phrases such as "complex feelings" or "nuanced emotions" may be better suitable.

What's the difference between "delicate emotions" and "strong emotions"?

"Delicate emotions" suggests feelings that are easily affected or subtle, while "strong emotions" implies intense and powerful feelings. The choice depends on the specific emotional state you want to describe.