intrinsically delicate

USAGE SUMMARY

"intrinsically delicate" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it to describe something that is inherently fragile or sensitive by nature. For example: "The artist's work is intrinsically delicate, requiring careful handling." Alternative expressions include "inherently fragile" and "essentially sensitive."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Nevertheless, systems-level proteomic analyses offer us exciting new opportunities to investigate the intrinsically delicate balance of host-pathogen interactions.

Protein & Cell

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

The nature of anodic aluminum oxide (AAO) membranes intrinsically provides delicate control over topographic and chemical cues for enhanced cell interaction; however their use in nerve regeneration is still very limited.

Applied Surface Science

While ants are not intrinsically dangerous I believe that they are inherently creepy and the further from our delicate parts the better is the rule of the day.

TechCrunch

Characterization of in vitro nanoparticle uptake and localization is intrinsically linked to cytotoxicological studies because uptake provides evidence of nanoparticle cell interaction, wherein the delicate intracellular machinery is exposed to nanoparticles.

Cancer Nanotechnology

At their initial meeting, one hits the other in the face, but no lasting grudge is borne, for the movie, directed by Shane Black, aims at being a comedy thriller: a delicate hybrid, founded on the belief that hitting people in the face is intrinsically funny.

The New Yorker

Is life intrinsically valuable?

Encyclopedia Britannica

Crowds are intrinsically dangerous.

The New York Times

It's intrinsically important".

The Guardian

Very delicate.

The New York Times - Magazine

They're intrinsically wrong.

The New York Times

Neither option is intrinsically superior.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Pair this phrase with abstract nouns like "balance", "equilibrium", "negotiations" or "ecosystems" to add a layer of intellectual sophistication to your writing.

Common error

Avoid combining the phrase with other adverbs that mean the same thing, such as "naturally intrinsically delicate" or "inherently intrinsically delicate". These pleonasms weaken the impact of your description and make the prose feel cluttered.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "intrinsically delicate" functions as an adjectival phrase where the adverb "intrinsically" modifies the adjective "delicate". According to Ludwig AI, it is used to attribute a quality of extreme sensitivity or fragility to a subject as a fundamental property. It often appears as a predicative adjective or as part of a complex noun phrase.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

Science

45%

News & Media

35%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Social Media

2%

Reference

2%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "intrinsically delicate" is a highly effective phrase for describing things that are fragile by their very nature. Ludwig AI indicates that while it is relatively rare, its usage is concentrated in authoritative and scientific sources, making it an excellent choice for academic writing and formal journalism. It often describes complex systems, such as biological interactions or diplomatic negotiations, where any disturbance could have significant consequences. Using this phrase correctly demonstrates a mastery of nuanced English and provides a more precise description than simpler alternatives like "fragile" or "sensitive".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inherently fragile

Focuses more on the susceptibility to physical damage or breakage

essentially sensitive

Highlights a responsiveness to external stimuli or emotional depth

naturally fine

Emphasizes a high degree of detail or thinness occurring by nature

fundamentally precarious

Shifts the focus toward a lack of stability or a risky state

innately brittle

Suggests a specific type of hardness that lacks flexibility

constitutionally weak

Refers to an internal structural or health-related vulnerability

profoundly subtle

Emphasizes the nuanced or understated nature of the subject

inherently unstable

Common in scientific contexts to describe volatile chemical or physical states

essentially flimsy

Carries a more negative connotation of being poorly made or lacking substance

by nature vulnerable

Describes a permanent state of being open to harm or influence

FAQs

How to use "intrinsically delicate" in a sentence?

You can use it to describe something naturally sensitive, such as: "The host-pathogen interaction is an "intrinsically delicate" balance."

What can I say instead of "intrinsically delicate"?

Depending on the context, you might use "inherently fragile", "essentially sensitive", or "naturally fine".

What's the difference between "intrinsically delicate" and "inherently fragile"?

While "inherently fragile" often implies something that breaks easily, "intrinsically delicate" suggests a more complex, fine, or sophisticated sensitivity that is part of its core nature.

Is it correct to say "intrinsically delicate balance"?

Yes, this is a common and high-quality collocation often found in scientific literature, as seen in examples from Ludwig.