1.delicate的基本意思是“娇弱的,纤细的”,也可指颜色或气味“柔和的,淡的,浅的”,食物或味道“美味的,清淡可口的”,感官或仪器“精密的,灵敏的”,人际关系“微妙的,有技巧的,得当的”,人“脆弱的,娇弱的”,物“易碎的”“精美的,雅致的”等。
2.delicate无比较级和最高级形式。

in a delicate condition
〈口〉怀孕 pregnant
She can't come pony trekking after all because she's in a delicate condition.她结果还是不能坐小马车旅行,因为她已怀孕。

用作定语
▲～+n.
 She is a delicate girl.她是个清秀的女孩。
The pretty girl has a delicate skin.这位漂亮的姑娘具有细嫩的皮肤。
This has been regarded as a delicate subject.这已被认为是一项棘手的问题。
I admired your delicate handling of the situation.我很钦佩你这样巧妙地处理了这种局面。
Some delicate people don't like to offend.言行得体的人不喜欢冒犯人。
It's a porcelain of delicate workmanship.这是一个工艺精美的瓷器。
用作表语
▲S+be+～
 Her health is delicate.她的身体很虚弱。
The international situation is delicate at present.目前的国际形势很紧张。
▲S+be+～+prep.-phrase
 He is very delicate for his appearance.他对自己的外表非常注重。
▲S+be+～+that-clause
The plate was so delicate that I was afraid to wash it.那盘子非常薄,我简直不敢洗。

delicate, fine, subtle
这三个词均可表示“微妙的,细微的”。delicate含有需要谨慎处理或对待的意思; fine带有“细微的,不易察觉的”意思; subtle有时带有原来“聪明的,机敏的”意思。

［同义词］   dine, sensitive, weak
［反义词］   healthy, strong