delicately

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "delicately" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe actions that are done with care, sensitivity, or finesse, often in contexts involving physical touch or handling of delicate matters. Example: "She delicately placed the fragile vase on the shelf, ensuring it wouldn't fall."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Zamora opened the scoring from close range in the second half and then he sealed West Ham's place in the final with an outrageous goal, delicately using his left foot to cushion Harewood's wonderful pass beyond Kelvin Davis in the Ipswich goal.

The Guardian - Sport

But embedded in them are more than a dozen poems, some completely scored through and some delicately revised".

The Guardian - Books

There's one song that I was kinda, uh …" – Clarkson pauses delicately – "but it's not a bad song.

The Guardian - Music

Mallory may have been delicately rebuffing him when he wrote: "I myself have found that it is the young always whom I desire (I believe this to have been your experience also)." "Mallory was so gorgeous, and Strachey perhaps not to everyone's taste," Haley said, "but I should imagine Mallory was flattered by such admiration wherever it came from".

The Guardian

They brought boiled eggs, which hadn't been boiled, and a plate of delicately cut cheeses, each wrapped around a sweating olive.

The Guardian - Travel

The arguments are delicately poised, the issues could not be more important: how to balance privacy and security in the 21st century.

The Guardian

That doesn't mean you need to focus on the details (such as the dalliances with her father), but you should fill her in her as delicately as you can on your previous sexual history.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

I ask the driver to stop, and we climb our way delicately over the barbed-wire fence.

The Guardian

Using a spatula, delicately incorporate half the cocoa-flour mix and half the butter, mixing gently without overworking the batter.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Indeed, after tasting five varieties, ranging from the sweet and fruity (Vongerichten) to the exotically coconutty (Thompson), I come down in favour of this delicately aromatic flavour: the shallots used by Vongerichten and Stein can be saved for the sauce, as can the coconut, and, of course, the peanuts.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

At one point England seemed to be in charge, cruising along at 238 for two, but the advent of the second new ball, some brilliant bowling from Trent Boult and the rapid departure of three England batsmen left the game delicately poised.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "delicately", consider the context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended nuance of care, sensitivity, or precision. The word choice should align with the specific action being described.

Common error

Avoid using "delicately" when describing actions that inherently require force or lack subtlety. Overusing the word can weaken its impact and create an unintended tone.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "delicately" primarily functions to modify verbs, indicating the manner in which an action is performed. It suggests care, precision, and sensitivity in the execution of the action. Ludwig AI confirms this usage, as evidenced by numerous examples where "delicately" modifies verbs related to handling, speaking, or creating.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the adverb "delicately" is a versatile term used to describe actions performed with care, sensitivity, or precision. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically correct and frequently found in varied contexts, including News & Media, Formal & Business, and Science. Its related phrases include "with great care" and "with sensitivity". When using "delicately", consider the specific context to ensure it accurately conveys the intended nuance. While it's a valuable word, avoid overuse in contexts that require force or lack subtlety. Top sources include The Economist and The Guardian, attesting to its reliable usage in authoritative contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

with great care

Emphasizes the carefulness involved in the action, focusing on attentiveness to detail.

with sensitivity

Highlights the emotional or empathetic aspect of the action.

in a refined manner

Focuses on the elegance and sophistication of the action.

with finesse

Highlights the skill and dexterity involved.

with precision

Emphasizes the accuracy and exactness of the action.

in a subtle way

Indicates that the action is performed discreetly and not overtly.

with a light touch

Suggests gentleness and a lack of force in the action.

with kid gloves

Implies handling something or someone with extreme care and caution.

with tact

Focuses on handling situations or people sensitively to avoid offense.

in a gingerly fashion

Indicates caution and hesitation, often due to fear of causing harm.

FAQs

How can I use "delicately" in a sentence?

You can use "delicately" to describe actions done with care or sensitivity, such as "She "delicately" arranged the flowers" or "He approached the sensitive topic "delicately"".

What are some alternatives to using "delicately"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "gently", "tactfully", or "carefully" as substitutes for "delicately".

Is it correct to say "delicately handled"?

Yes, "delicately handled" is a correct and common phrase. It suggests that something was managed or dealt with in a careful and sensitive manner.

What's the difference between "delicately" and "carefully"?

"Carefully" implies attention to avoid mistakes or damage, while "delicately" suggests a refined and sensitive approach, often when handling something fragile or sensitive. "Carefully" focuses on accuracy, while "delicately" focuses on grace and sensitivity.