delicate etymology

Etymology:

The word "delicate" comes from the Middle French word "délicat," which in turn derives from the Latin word "delicatus," meaning "dainty, pleasing, or delightful."

Meaning:

Delicate means:

  • Thin, fragile, or easily broken
  • Soft, gentle, or graceful
  • Sensitive, refined, or susceptible to damage
  • Refined or fastidious in taste or habit

Origin:

The ultimate origin of the word "delicatus" is uncertain, but scholars speculate that it may come from:

  • The Proto-Indo-European root *delkʷ-, meaning "to join" or "to connect" (related to words like "delight" and "decorate")
  • The Proto-Italic root *delko-, meaning "to be pleasing" or "to delight"

Over time, the meaning of "delicatus" evolved from "pleasing" to "dainty" and then to "fragile" or "sensitive." By the 14th century, the word had entered the English language as "delicate," with its modern meanings.

delicate relate terms

  • delicious

    Etymology Delicious comes from the Latin word deliciosus which means choice delig

  • delicious

    Etymology Delicious comes from the Latin word deliciosus which means choice delig

  • delight

    Etymology The word delight comes from the Middle English word delit which in turn de

  • indelicate

    Etymology The word indelicate is derived from two Latin words In prefix meaning n

  • rugged

    Etymology The word rugged originated from the Old Norse word hruggr meaning shaggy

  • tender

    Etymology The word tender comes from the Old French verb tendre meaning to stretch

  • comely

    Etymology The word comely comes from the Middle English word comli which is derived

  • lepton

    Etymology From Greek λεπτός leptos meaning fine delicate or thin Me

  • prim

    Etymology The word prim originates from the Old English word primme meaning early

  • soft

    Etymology of soft Old English softe from West Germanic saftiz meaning soft sa

  • flair

    Etymology Old French flaire from Latin fragrare smell Meaning A keen sense

  • frail

    Etymology Middle English fraile from Anglo Norman French fraile Old French frele ul