In a way that is gentle, careful, or easily damaged; requiring careful handling or sensitive treatment.
From Latin 'delicatus' meaning 'fond of luxury' or 'soft,' which evolved into Middle English meaning 'tender' or 'fragile.' The adverb form adds '-ly' to create an adverb.
The connection between 'delicate' things and luxury is ancient—Romans used 'delicatus' for both things that were fragile AND soft pampered living, because if you'd been pampered your whole life, you were too tender to handle rough treatment.
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