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Usenet Posted 23 years ago
Usage

Delicate

I understand the meaning of word is dependent on the context, so please forgive me ask you a question in this way.
The word "delicately", adverbial form of delicate appears in the following excerpt.
"Lucky," she said lighting a fresh cigarette from her old one. She delicately put the butt into a silver ashtray, as large as a birdbath, that rested on a mother-of-pearl table near her.
Is it wrong if I interpret the "delicately" as meaning carefully?

I guess the word delicate means careful or gentle when modifying the manner of action or movement.
  

Top answer

english: [nq:1]I understand the meaning of word is dependent on the context, so please forgive me ask you a question in ... as meaning carefully? [/nq] Delicate has a range of meanings including fastidious, tactful, refined (in manner), and sensitive.

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3 Answers
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In our last episode,
(Email Removed),
the lovely and talented masahiko
broadcast on alt.usage.english:
[nq:1]I understand the meaning of word is dependent on the context, so please forgive me ask you a question in ... as meaning carefully? I guess the word delicate means careful or gentle when modifying the manner of action or movement.[/nq]
Delicate has a range of meanings inc
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[nq:1]I understand the meaning of word is dependent on the context, so please forgive me ask you a question in ... as meaning carefully? I guess the word delicate means careful or gentle when modifying the manner of action or movement.[/nq]
Yes, I think that is a reasonable definition. It suggests handling small things in a precise and graceful way.

Best wishes Donna Richoux
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[nq:2]I understand the meaning of word is dependent on the ... or gentle when modifying the manner of action or movement.[/nq]
[nq:1]Yes, I think that is a reasonable definition. It suggests handling small things in a precise and graceful way.[/nq]
Yes, and I'd say that lighting a cigarette from the **** of another merely points to the fact that she is a chain-smoker. All sorts of people d