Langimage
English

indelicately

|in-del-i-cate-ly|

C1

/ɪnˈdɛlɪkətli/

(indelicate)

lacking sensitivity

Base FormNounAdverb
indelicateindelicacyindelicately
Etymology
Etymology Information

'indelicate' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'indelicatus,' where 'in-' meant 'not' and 'delicatus' meant 'dainty or delicate.'

Historical Evolution

'indelicatus' transformed into the French word 'indélicat,' and eventually became the modern English word 'indelicate' through Middle English.

Meaning Changes

Initially, it meant 'not delicate or dainty,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'lacking sensitivity or tact.'

Meanings by Part of Speech

Adverb 1

in a manner lacking sensitivity or tact.

He indelicately pointed out her mistake in front of everyone.

Synonyms

Antonyms

Last updated: 2025/03/01 14:21