delicate figure

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delicate figure" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe someone with a slender or fragile appearance, often in a complimentary or artistic context. Example: "The dancer moved gracefully across the stage, her delicate figure captivating the audience."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

Early on, a pretty, delicate figure moved from a trumpet to a flute, while waves of strange harmony morphed as they passed through the wider orchestra.

The Guardian - Music

Softly spoken, she moved the Times to remark on her first visit to London in 1965 that she belied the "public image of female novelists [as] an intimidating and often unfeminine species" with her "striking beauty, delicate figure and corresponding quietness of manner".

The Guardian - Books

In the SYS models, neutrophilic exudates were detected in the lung (Figure 7B), while the alveolar walls of the ST infusion rats were thin and delicate (Figure 7A).

Plosone

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

Cast in delicate figures in the upper range of the keyboard, it created a fluid dreamscape that set expectations high for the rest of the program.

The New York Times - Arts

Reminiscent of the ceiling paintings by Giambattista Tiepolo in Italy and Bavaria at that time, their delicate figures and light colours are clearly Rococo.

Encyclopedia Britannica

But there's a genuine sweetness to Julie Paschkis's story and her delicate figures are beautifully arranged, swept off their feet, in the book's open, cream-colored pages.

The New York Times - Books

His Egyptians represent not the delicate figures of the ancient glyphs but the heart-on-sleeve Italians he would have found on his own street corner: big in emotion and, in a lot of productions, big in size as well.

The New York Times - Arts

Also worth noting are the ornate facades, amazing masks, delicate figures and intricate designs that adorn many of the buildings.

BBC

"Oyama's delicate figures certainly relate to her awareness of the human body," gallery associate Chloe Bensahel added, "having been a dancer in New York in the 1970s". .

Huffington Post

The Labrador artist, who is recognized worldwide for his carvings of delicate figures from stone and organic materials including walrus ivory, has become a symbol of resistance within the camp, and outside of it, due to growing media attention.

Vice

At other junctures, he could sample a delicate pizzicato figure and send it rampaging through a succession of speakers in a clattering, percussive disguise.

The Guardian - Music

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a person, use "delicate figure" to convey a sense of grace and slightness, often associated with dancers or artists. Be mindful of the context and avoid using it in situations where it might be misinterpreted as fragility or weakness.

Common error

Avoid using "delicate figure" to describe objects or situations where 'fragile' or 'sensitive' would be more appropriate. "Delicate figure" primarily refers to a person's physical form, so using it outside of this context can sound awkward or nonsensical.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "delicate figure" primarily functions as a descriptive noun phrase. It is used to describe the physical appearance of a person or the qualities of an artistic representation. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

33%

Less common in

Wiki

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "delicate figure" is a grammatically sound phrase used to describe a slender or fragile physique or the qualities of an artistic depiction. Ludwig AI indicates that the phrase is correct. Its register leans towards neutral, although it is more common in descriptive writing than in everyday speech. While relatively uncommon in frequency, as shown by the examples found by Ludwig, the phrase effectively conveys grace and slenderness. When using the phrase, consider the context to avoid misinterpretations and ensure it aligns with the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

slender physique

Replaces "delicate" with "slender" and "figure" with "physique", focusing on the physical build.

fragile form

Substitutes "delicate" with "fragile" and "figure" with "form", highlighting the vulnerability of the subject.

petite frame

Replaces "delicate" with "petite" and "figure" with "frame", emphasizing smallness and slenderness.

graceful silhouette

Shifts focus to the visual outline, using "graceful" instead of "delicate" to imply elegance.

slight build

Uses "slight" and "build" to convey a similar meaning of small and delicate physical appearance.

refined shape

Emphasizes the elegance and artistry of the figure rather than fragility.

ethereal presence

Suggests a more spiritual or otherworldly quality, moving away from purely physical description.

dainty appearance

Highlights the small and pretty nature of the figure, differing slightly in tone.

willowy form

Implies a tall, slender, and graceful figure, adding a specific visual image.

svelte physique

Focuses on a slender and athletic build, shifting the emphasis from fragility to fitness.

FAQs

What does "delicate figure" mean?

"Delicate figure" usually describes someone with a slender, graceful, and perhaps slightly fragile physical appearance. It can also refer to small, detailed representations in art or design.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "delicate figure"?

It's appropriate when describing a person's physique or referring to fine details in artistic representations. Ensure the context aligns with the intended meaning of slenderness or intricacy.

What can I say instead of "delicate figure" if I want to avoid clichés?

You can use alternatives like "slender physique", "petite frame", or "graceful silhouette" depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is "delicate figure" a compliment?

It can be, especially when used to describe a dancer or artist. However, be mindful of the context, as some might perceive it as implying fragility or weakness, so consider the individual's preferences.