- in a careful way:They stepped delicately among the brambles and exposed rocks.Aggressive removal of the tumor must be delicately balanced with the risk of injury to adjacent normal tissue.
- in a tactful or sensitive way:Employee issues need to be managed delicately, with empathy and an open perspective.
- in a faint, subtle, quiet, or barely perceptible way:Dessert was perfection: perfectly moist and delicately flavored ricotta and rhubarb cakes with a big dollop of creamy vanilla mascarpone.The eye-catching Himalayan honeysuckle has pendant spikes of deep red bracts with white, delicately scented flowers and red-purple berries.
- showing or using precision or refinement:The region is a famous center for embroidery and appliqué work, painted pottery, and delicately carved wooden doors.
