Search from various Engels teachers...
Shana
Hi! How does it sound when people use "delicate" to refer to someone's sensitive personality? Old-fashioned? Literary? Or mostly acceptable?
I personally like using 'delicate' for beauty or craftsmanship. I am not sure if it's common thoughđ
5 sep. 2025 08:46
Antwoorden · 7
Like others have said, it really depends on the context.
âExquisiteâ offers an alternative without suggesting any hint of fragility.
Elizabethâs exquisite discernment allowed her to detect the slightest trace of insincerity.
As for craftsmanship or any endeavors marked by excellent skills, I would stick with "delicate".
With a delicate touch, the poetess inscribes a new page upon the canvas of imagination.
6 september 2025
Delicate can be used in any of these senses! I think it depends on who you're speaking to.
I would use delicate to describe artwork or something that was made using a very fine process. But if someone mentioned that a person was "delicate" I'd definitely think they meant "sensitive".
As you mentioned, though, this usage sounds a bit old-fashioned and literary, and most native speakers would probably use "sensitive" or even "touchy" to describe another person's personality, depending on nuance.
6 september 2025
In poetry or in a romantic way, i think "delicate" could be a beautiful word. In a business environment or among aquaintances, there is a chance it can offend.
6 september 2025
Deze inhoud schendt onze communityrichtlijnen.
5 september 2025
Heb je je antwoorden nog steeds niet gevonden?
Schrijf je vragen op en laat de moedertaalsprekers je helpen!
Shana
Taalvaardigheden
Chinees (Mandarijn), Chinees (Kantonees), Engels, Japans
Taal die wordt geleerd
Engels, Japans
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