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The Complete Vocabulary Builder Workbook by BETTER WORDS R. B. Skinner
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Add 3,700 must-know words to your vocabulary.

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delicacy

IPA:

How to pronounce delicacy (audio)

Dictionary definition of delicacy

A rare or expensive food that is considered to be especially delicious or luxurious.
"The truffle was considered a delicacy and was worth its weight in gold."

Detailed meaning of delicacy

This can include items such as caviar, truffles, foie gras, or exotic seafood. Delicacies are often associated with fine dining, special occasions, and high-end culinary experiences. They are typically sourced from remote or specialized locations, and require careful preparation to enhance their flavors and textures. The consumption of delicacies is often viewed as a symbol of wealth, sophistication, and refinement, and they are frequently featured in gourmet magazines, culinary competitions, and Michelin-starred restaurants. Overall, the term "delicacy" connotes a sense of exclusivity and rarity, and is often used to describe foods that are considered to be the pinnacle of culinary artistry.

Another meaning of "delicacy" refers to something that is delicate or fragile, both physically and figuratively. For example, "She handled the antique vase with delicacy, knowing that it was very old and valuable." This meaning can also be used to describe a situation that requires careful or sensitive handling, as in "The issue was a delicacy that needed to be handled with care."

Finally, "delicacy" can also refer to the quality or condition of being fine, gentle, or subtle, such as in "She spoke with delicacy, choosing her words carefully." In this sense, it implies a subtle or refined quality.

Overall, the word "delicacy" can refer to high-quality or rare food items, delicate or fragile objects, and qualities or situations that are fine, gentle, or subtle.

Example sentences containing delicacy

1. The restaurant's menu included several exotic delicacies, such as shark fin soup.
2. Caviar is a delicacy that is often served with champagne.
3. Foie gras is a controversial delicacy that is banned in some countries.
4. The chef's signature dish was a delicacy made with rare, imported spices.
5. The high-end restaurant was known for its selection of delicacies from around the world.
6. He sampled the local delicacy, a rare type of fruit that was only found in that region.

History and etymology of delicacy

The noun 'delicacy' has its etymological origins in Latin and Old French. It is derived from the Latin word 'delicatia,' which means 'luxury' or 'exquisite pleasure.' In Old French, it evolved into 'delicacie,' referring to something delightful or pleasing. Over time, the term 'delicacy' came to be associated with rare or expensive foods that were considered especially delicious or luxurious. These foods were often associated with fine dining and were prized for their exquisite flavors and textures. 'Delicacy' is used to describe culinary treasures like caviar, truffles, and other gourmet items. The etymology of 'delicacy' reflects its historical connection to notions of pleasure and luxury, emphasizing the rare and delightful nature of certain foods that are prized for their culinary excellence.

Quiz: Find the meaning of the noun delicacy:

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Further usage examples of delicacy

1. The delicacy was so rare and expensive that only the wealthiest could afford it.
2. The food critic raved about the restaurant's delicate and flavorful seafood delicacies.
3. The gourmet store specialized in rare and exotic delicacies, such as black truffle oil.
4. The delicacy was a feast for the senses, with its rich flavors and exquisite presentation.
5. He treated himself to the ultimate delicacy, a decadent chocolate truffle that melted in his mouth.
6. Caviar, a renowned seafood delicacy, graced the extravagant banquet table.
7. Savoring the exotic delicacy, he marveled at the fusion of flavors.
8. Truffles, a prized culinary delicacy, added an earthy richness to the dish.
9. Escargot, a French delicacy, divided diners with its unique texture.
10. Sampling regional delicacies was a highlight of their travel adventures.
11. Foie gras, a controversial delicacy, sparked debates about animal ethics.
12. She indulged in the decadent delicacy of chocolate-covered strawberries.
13. The seafood market displayed a tantalizing array of ocean delicacies.
14. A platter of sushi, a Japanese delicacy, pleased discerning palates.
15. The chef's specialty, lobster bisque, was a velvety seafood delicacy.
16. In the fine dining restaurant, patrons savored the rare delicacy of truffle risotto.
17. The delicacy of marinated olives added depth to the Mediterranean meal.
18. He acquired a taste for the Chinese delicacy, Peking duck.
19. The dessert menu featured the delicacy of crème brûlée.
20. Experiencing the delicacy of wagyu beef was a culinary milestone.
21. The French patisserie was famous for its delicate pastries and macarons.
22. Tasting the exotic delicacy of sashimi was a culinary adventure.
23. She tried the local delicacy, a spicy curry with aromatic herbs.
24. Their anniversary dinner included the delicacy of oysters Rockefeller.
25. The restaurant's chef created a seasonal delicacy, a truffle-infused soup.

Suffix -acy, Consumption and Utilization, Enjoyment and Indulgence, Middle School 11, Food and Drink

gourmet,indulgence,morsel

delicatessen,exotic,fine,luxury,rarity,specialty,tidbit,treat

treat, staple, commonplace, ordinary

eb68db_53dcae3600334cdd8919b9c56bd6ebb2.mp3

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