delicate feeling

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delicate feeling" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sensitive or nuanced 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

Arts

Food

Books

Opinion

Film

Lifestyle

Sport

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

6 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

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

Wyatt Eaton, (born May 6, 1849, Philipsburg, Que., Can. died June 7 , 1896 Newport, R.I., U.S ., U.S. painter whose portraits of many well-known 19th-century figures were noted for delicate feeling.

Britannica

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

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 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

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

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

The New York Times - Arts

"Baklava has delicate feelings," said Mr. Homsi, 76.

The New York Times - Food

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

In deference to the perceived inattention or delicate feelings of American viewers, whole swatches of testy, character-establishing dialogue have been removed.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "delicate feeling" to describe a subtle emotional state or artistic quality, especially when precision and nuance are important in your writing.

Common error

Avoid using "delicate feeling" in situations where a stronger, more direct emotional description is appropriate. This phrase is best suited for subtle or nuanced emotions, not intense or overt ones.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delicate feeling" functions primarily as a noun phrase, where "delicate" modifies the noun "feeling". According to Ludwig AI, it describes a refined or subtle emotional state. Examples show it used to describe art, personal interactions, and general emotional assessments.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Arts

10%

Less common in

Food

5%

Books

5%

Opinion

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "delicate feeling" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a subtle or refined emotional state, as affirmed by Ludwig AI. While not exceedingly common, it appears in diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and arts publications. Its use suggests a formal to neutral register, emphasizing precision and nuance. When writing, employ "delicate feeling" to convey sensitivity and subtlety, but avoid overuse in overly dramatic situations. Consider alternatives like "subtle emotion" or "fragile sentiment" to vary your expression. According to Ludwig, this expression works to highlight sensitivity and precision, particularly when describing something that requires careful handling or understanding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

subtle emotion

Focuses on the subtlety of the emotion rather than the sensitivity.

fragile sentiment

Emphasizes the vulnerability of the emotion.

tender emotion

Highlights the gentleness and affection associated with the emotion.

sensitive emotion

Highlights the responsiveness to external stimuli, particularly emotional triggers.

nuanced emotion

Emphasizes the complexity and subtlety of the emotion involved.

acute sensitivity

Implies a heightened awareness and intensity of emotional perception.

refined sensibility

Suggests a cultivated and sophisticated emotional awareness.

gentle emotion

Highlights the mildness and lack of intensity in the emotion.

soft emotion

Implies a subdued and understated emotional expression.

keen awareness

Shifts the focus to the perceptive aspect, implying a sharp understanding of subtle cues.

FAQs

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

You can use "delicate feeling" to describe a nuanced emotional state or a subtle artistic quality. For example, "She approached the situation with a "delicate feeling", sensing underlying tensions" or "The painting conveyed a "delicate feeling" for nature".

What are some alternatives to "delicate feeling"?

Alternatives include "subtle emotion", "fragile sentiment", or "tender emotion". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is it appropriate to use "delicate feeling" in formal writing?

Yes, "delicate feeling" is appropriate in formal writing when describing subtle emotional states or artistic qualities. Its usage is well-documented in reputable sources like The New York Times and encyclopedias.

What's the difference between "delicate feeling" and "sensitive emotion"?

"Delicate feeling" implies a subtle and nuanced emotional state or perception, while "sensitive emotion" suggests a heightened responsiveness to external emotional stimuli. They are similar but emphasize different aspects of emotional experience.