delicate: [14] Delicate comes either from Old French delicat or direct from its source, Latin dēlicātus, but its ultimate history is obscure. Its formal similarity to delicious and delight, and the fact that ‘addicted to pleasure’ was one of the meanings of Latin dēlicātus, suggest that the three words may have an ancestor in common. Delicatessen [19] was borrowed from German delikatessen, plural of delikatesse ‘delicacy’, which in turn was acquired by German from French délicatesse. => delicatessen
delicate (adj.)
late 14c., "self-indulgent, loving ease; delightful; sensitive, easily hurt; feeble," from Latin delicatus "alluring, delightful, dainty," also "addicted to pleasure, luxurious, effeminate;" which is of uncertain origin; related by folk etymology (and perhaps genuinely) to deliciae "a pet," and delicere "to allure, entice" (see delicious). Meaning "easily broken" is recorded from 1560s.
实用例句
1. Although the coral looks hard, it is very delicate.
珊瑚虽然看上去坚固，实际上非常易碎。
来自柯林斯例句
2. Their marriage is a delicate balance between traditional and contemporary values.
他们的婚姻在传统和现代价值观之间保持着微妙平衡。
来自柯林斯例句
3. Its large leaves often show a delicate purple tint.
它的大叶子往往带点紫色。
来自柯林斯例句
4. Each motion must be delicate and precise, involving tiny movements.
每一个动作都必须小心、准确，一点点地移动。
来自柯林斯例句
5. The furniture was stiff, uncomfortable, too delicate, and too neat.
