delicate face

USAGE SUMMARY

"delicate face" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe someone's facial features, such as when you want to emphasize their delicate and fine features. For example, "She had a delicate face with porcelain skin and petite features".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

23 human-written examples

All smooth, furry lithe limbs, delicate face and golden eyes.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

His seismographically delicate face and eyes conveyed his inner struggles and torment.

The Guardian - Film

She has a delicate face with a smooth brow, straight nose, and a dimple above her upper lip.

The New Yorker

He is a special police officer from Siberia, blue-eyed with a delicate face and a keen mind.

The New York Times - Magazine

Ms. Hoss, who has appeared in several of Mr. Petzold's films, is a striking woman with a delicate face dominated by large, wide-set, somewhat baggy eyes.

The New York Times

These days, when Farrell makes a personal appearance you are drawn first by the pale, delicate face, with its wide-set anemone eyes.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

37 human-written examples

The issue has surfaced repeatedly as one of the most complicated and delicate facing the church.

Massachusetts Institute of Technology

He wouldn't use the roughness of that brushstroke with the delicate faces of the nobles".

The New Yorker

The issue remains one of the most delicate facing the Chinese government.

The New York Times

The issue of land and property reclamation is one of the most delicate facing a new Iraqi administration.

The Guardian

He paints quiet devotional moments and noisy multifigure dramas; he paints delicate faces in a crowd, but blows it with grotesquely ugly holy infants.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character in fiction, use "delicate face" to subtly convey their personality, such as innocence or vulnerability, through their physical appearance.

Common error

Avoid using "delicate face" in overly sentimental or clichéd descriptions. Instead, focus on specific details that make the face unique and expressive, rather than relying on generic terms.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delicate face" primarily functions as a descriptive adjective modifying a noun. It describes a specific quality or characteristic of a person's face, indicating features that are finely formed and perhaps conveying a sense of gentleness or vulnerability. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

68%

Academia

16%

Formal & Business

8%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

2%

Science

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "delicate face" is a common and grammatically sound way to describe someone's facial features, suggesting refinement and gentleness. Ludwig AI affirms its proper usage in English. It appears most frequently in news and media, with academic and formal business contexts also present. Alternative phrases include "fine features" and "refined countenance", each offering slightly different nuances. While effective, it's important to avoid overusing this phrase in clichéd descriptions and to focus on unique details. When writing, use "delicate face" to subtly convey a character's personality through their appearance.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicate features

Similar to "delicate face" but focuses on the features themselves rather than the overall face.

fine features

Focuses on the refinement and detail of the facial features.

refined countenance

Uses a more formal term for face, suggesting elegance and poise.

gentle features

Emphasizes the softness and mildness of the facial features.

delicate visage

Visage is a more formal and literary term for face, adding a touch of old-fashioned elegance.

soft features

Highlights the lack of sharp angles or harsh lines in the face.

ethereal face

Suggests an almost otherworldly beauty and delicacy.

dainty face

Implies smallness and prettiness in the facial features.

exquisite features

Stresses the exceptional beauty and artistry of the facial features.

fragile beauty

Conveys vulnerability and a need for protection, emphasizing the beauty's transient nature.

FAQs

How can I describe a character's face as delicate?

You can use phrases like "fine features", "soft features", or "refined countenance" to convey delicacy depending on the specific nuance you want to express.

What does it mean when someone has a delicate face?

A "delicate face" typically suggests refined, small, and finely proportioned features. It can also imply vulnerability or a gentle nature.

Which is more appropriate, "delicate face" or "fragile face"?

"Delicate face" is generally preferred when describing facial features, while "fragile face" might be used to describe someone whose face appears easily hurt or damaged, such as due to illness.

Can "delicate face" be used to describe both men and women?

Yes, "delicate face" can be used to describe both men and women, although it's more commonly associated with women. When describing a man, it might imply a more sensitive or refined appearance.