delicately

Everyday

1. Gently and carefully, so as not to break or hurt something: «She held the eggshell delicately». tree →
2. In a fine, light and graceful way: «delicately painted flowers». tree →
3. Tactfully, with care not to upset anyone: «He delicately asked about her illness». tree →
4. (food) With a light, gentle flavour: «delicately spiced». tree →

In the lessons

In science and practical work, pupils handle fragile things such as glassware, insects or seedlings delicately. In art, delicately drawn lines are thin and light. In stories and PSHE, people speak delicately about sad or private topics. Phrases: «handle delicately», «delicately balanced», «put it delicately».

Examples

• She delicately lifted the butterfly onto a leaf. tree →
• The vase was delicately painted with tiny birds. tree →
• Handle the test tubes delicately. tree →
• The teacher delicately asked if everything was all right at home. tree →
• The soup was delicately flavoured with herbs. tree →
• How can I put this delicately? Your shoes smell! tree →
• The rock was delicately balanced on the cliff edge. tree →
• She was still half a child and very delicately built; she had bright blue eyes, and a gentle, sweet expression. tree →

Note

From the adjective «delicate» + -ly (no extra e dropped: delicate → delicately). Said «DEL-ih-kut-lee». «To put it delicately» is a polite way to start saying something awkward.

In Jewish tradition

Here it means in a soft, indulgent way, spoiling a servant from childhood.

Interpretation. The proverb is read as a lesson that too much pampering ruins discipline and order in a household.

Examples

• He that delicately bringeth up his servant from a child shall have him become master at the last. (Writings PRO.29.21, JPS 1917) tree →

Note

From the adjective «delicate» + -ly (no extra e dropped: delicate → delicately). Said «DEL-ih-kut-lee». «To put it delicately» is a polite way to start saying something awkward.