Literary notes about delicately (AI summary)
In literature, the adverb "delicately" is employed to convey subtleties of grace, refinement, and sensitivity in both physical descriptions and nuanced interactions. It is often used to highlight contrasts between rough circumstances and refined behavior—as when characters dine in opulence despite humble roots [1]—or to accentuate the fragile beauty of an object or moment, like the intricately formed rail of a spiral staircase [2] or the gentle act of tasting a liquid with care [3]. The term also underscores the careful modulation of speech or action, suggesting that behaviors are executed with thoughtfulness to avoid offense or emphasize politeness [4, 5]. In these varied contexts, "delicately" enriches the narrative by drawing the reader’s attention to the precision and elegance of both physical features and interpersonal exchanges.
- While believers ate the bread of poverty, they dined delicately in the palace....
— from Secret societies and subversive movements by Nesta Helen Webster - The delicately distorted rail of a spiral staircase winds up from below.
— from Plays by Susan Glaspell - Poirot delicately dipped his finger into liquid, and tasted it gingerly.
— from The Mysterious Affair at Styles by Agatha Christie - If you are obliged to write to a friend to refuse to grant a favor asked, you will lessen the pain of refusal by wording your letter delicately.
— from The Ladies' Book of Etiquette, and Manual of Politeness by Florence Hartley - I therefore resolved, after much thinking of it, to make a private visit to Mr. Skimpole and try delicately to explain myself.
— from Bleak House by Charles Dickens
