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Meaning & use

delicate use of words

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UK/ˌdelɪkət ˈjuːs əv ˈwɜːdz/
US/ˌdelɪkət ˈjuːs əv ˈwɝːdz/

Meanings

  1. phrasefixed phrase

    careful and sensitive choice of language to avoid upsetting people or to express a difficult idea precisely

    Grammar: Often used with 'a' or 'the': 'a delicate use of words'. It can be the subject or object of a sentence.

    Patterns

    • a delicate use of words
    • someone's delicate use of words

    Her delicate use of words helped calm the angry crowd.

    Diplomats need a delicate use of words when discussing sensitive borders.

    The novel is praised for its delicate use of words to describe grief.

  2. phrasefixed phrase

    the skill of saying something indirectly or politely rather than stating it bluntly

    Grammar: Often follows 'requires' or 'takes': 'It takes a delicate use of words to...'.

    Patterns

    • take a delicate use of words
    • require a delicate use of words

    Telling a friend bad news takes a delicate use of words.

    The manager's delicate use of words avoided a public argument.

Common combinations

a delicate use of words
A delicate use of words can prevent misunderstandings.
require a delicate use of words
This topic requires a delicate use of words.
masterful delicate use of words
The poet's masterful delicate use of words moved the audience.
delicate use of language
Her delicate use of language made the criticism sound gentle.

Synonyms and how they differ

tactful wording
Focuses on the result (being tactful) rather than the skill of choosing words.
diplomatic language
Often used for official or political speech; 'delicate use of words' is broader and can be literary.
careful phrasing
Emphasizes the physical arrangement of words; 'delicate use of words' suggests sensitivity to feelings.

Opposites

bluntnesstactlessness

Word family

delicately adverb
in a careful and sensitive way
delicacy noun
the quality of being delicate; also a rare and expensive food

Commonly confused: delicate use of words or delicate words?

delicate use of words vs delicate words

'Delicate words' means words that are themselves fragile or fine; 'delicate use of words' is about how you choose and arrange them.

Practice

In the sentence 'Negotiating peace requires a delicate use of words,' what does 'delicate use of words' mean?

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