INDELICATE Meaning and
Definition
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Indelicate is an adjective that describes something or someone as lacking refinement, tact, or sensitivity, often in regard to social conventions or behavior. This term is commonly used to express criticism in relation to matters of taste, decorum, or propriety.
Being indelicate implies a disregard for the conventions of polite or appropriate behavior in certain situations. It suggests a lack of refinement in speech, actions, or manners that may be offensive, vulgar, or improper within a specific context. Indelicate remarks or gestures may be considered crude, offensive, or tactless due to their insensitivity or lack of consideration for the feelings or sensitivities of others.
The word is often used to describe behavior that is inappropriate in formal or sophisticated settings, such as in social events, professional gatherings, or cultural contexts where decorum is expected. Any action or statement that lacks consideration for others, disregards social norms, or violates cultural sensitivities may be deemed indelicate.
In summary, indelicate refers to behavior, remarks, or actions that are characterized by a lack of sensitivity, tact, or refinement. It reflects a lack of consciousness about social conventions or appropriateness in a given situation and is often seen as offensive or inappropriate.
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Offensive to good manners or to purity of mind; coarse; indecent.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
Common Misspellings for INDELICATE
Etymology of INDELICATE
The word indelicate originated from the Latin word indelicatus, which is a combination of the prefix in- (meaning not) and delicatus (meaning delicate or fine). The term first appeared in the English language in the 17th century, maintaining its original Latin meaning of not delicate. Over time, its usage has broadened to encompass a range of meanings, including offensive, improper, or lacking propriety.
Similar spelling words for INDELICATE
- indelibly,
- intellect,
- indicate,
- intellectual,
- indelible,
- indelible ink,
- in duplicate,
- indelicacy,
- indelicato,
- intellection,
- indwelling.
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