feeling delicate

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "feeling delicate" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being sensitive, fragile, or vulnerable, often in relation to emotions or physical health. Example: "After the long meeting, I was feeling delicate and needed some time to recharge."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

Or maybe I'm simply feeling delicate, having just weathered two hours of Amour, an astonishing dying fall of a film, perfectly played by Jean-Louis Trintignant and Emmanuelle Riva as Georges and Anne, an elderly couple preparing for death.

The Guardian - Film

YANGON, Myanmar — As campaigning for a landmark election in Myanmar reached its final days, the leader of the country's democracy movement, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, emerged from a week of convalescence on Friday still feeling "delicate" but hopeful that the election would help lay "a foundation stone for the future of democracy".

The New York Times

In many ways Wonga.com is an impressive, even admirable business (and please resist your temptation to send me hate mail - I am feeling delicate).

BBC

The entire process was awful and left my already thin hair feeling delicate and ready to fall out.

Vice

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

Quietly surprising choreography contrasted the feeling of delicate ballet ornamentation for the limbs with the gutsy implacability of the two torsos.

The New York Times

Her strong sense of color is tempered by an Asian feeling for delicate, calligraphic line, seen in works of the 1960's.

The New York Times - Arts

The real godfather to the play's dandy thuggery, its blend of threat and sex, of fierce feeling and delicate phrasing, and its love of London, is Harold Pinter.

The Guardian

It was the morning after her sister's birthday party, and Ms. Roi, 24, a Manhattan fashion designer, was feeling both delicate and voluble.

The New York Times - Style

Are our "feelings" so delicate that we can't bear to listen to the pain, confusion, and frustration that other carry in their hearts?

Huffington Post

"I'm feeling a little delicate".

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "feeling delicate" to subtly convey a state of emotional or physical vulnerability, particularly when discussing a recent event or experience that might have caused it. For example, "After the intense debate, I was feeling delicate and needed some quiet time."

Common error

Avoid using "feeling delicate" too frequently, as it can come across as overly dramatic or self-pitying. Instead, consider more specific and descriptive language to convey your state of being.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "feeling delicate" functions as a descriptive adjective phrase, modifying a subject to indicate a state of vulnerability or sensitivity. It draws upon the sense of touch to convey a state of being easily affected, as illustrated by the examples found by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "feeling delicate" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a state of vulnerability or sensitivity. According to Ludwig, this phrase is most commonly found in news and media contexts. While its usage is relatively rare, it effectively conveys a need for care or understanding. When writing, be mindful of potential overuse and consider more specific language when appropriate. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is generally acceptable and understandable in various contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

feeling fragile

Replaces "delicate" with "fragile", emphasizing emotional or physical vulnerability.

feeling sensitive

Replaces "delicate" with "sensitive", highlighting emotional susceptibility.

feeling under the weather

Indicates a mild illness or general feeling of unwellness.

feeling unwell

A general term for not feeling healthy or well.

feeling a bit tender

Emphasizes physical or emotional soreness.

feeling vulnerable

Highlights a sense of being exposed or easily hurt.

not feeling quite myself

Suggests a deviation from one's normal state of being.

feeling a little weak

Focuses on a lack of physical strength or energy.

feeling easily upset

Highlights a heightened emotional response.

feeling rather faint

Indicates a sensation of lightheadedness or impending loss of consciousness.

FAQs

What does it mean to say someone is "feeling delicate"?

Saying someone is "feeling delicate" usually means they are experiencing a state of emotional or physical vulnerability. It can suggest they are easily upset, slightly unwell, or in need of gentle care.

What can I say instead of "feeling delicate"?

You can use alternatives like "feeling fragile", "feeling sensitive", or "feeling under the weather" depending on the specific context.

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

While grammatically correct, "feeling delicate" might be perceived as too informal or emotionally charged for some formal contexts. Consider using more neutral language like "slightly unwell" or "emotionally sensitive" in academic or business writing.

How does "feeling delicate" differ from "feeling weak"?

"Feeling delicate" implies a general sense of vulnerability or sensitivity, while "feeling weak" specifically refers to a lack of physical strength or energy. The two phrases are not always interchangeable.