delicately

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
delicate/ˈdelɪkət/

▶adjective

• 1 very fine in texture or structure; of intricate workmanship or quality.

  ■ (of food or drink) subtly and pleasantly flavoured.

• 2 easily broken or damaged; fragile.

  ■ susceptible to illness or adverse conditions.

• 3 requiring sensitive or careful handling.

  ■ skilful; deft.

▶noun (delicates) garments made from delicate fabric.

– phrases
in a delicate condition archaic pregnant.

– derivatives
delicately adverb,
delicateness noun.

– origin ME (in the sense ‘delightful, charming’): from Fr. délicat or L. delicatus, of unknown origin.