Indelicate / inˈdeləkət / adj.
Definition: 1. Lacking in or offending against propriety. 2. Verging on the indecent. 3. Marked by a lack of feeling for the sensibilities of others. 4. Having or showing a lack of sensitive understanding or tact.
Etymology: The first use of the word indelicate appeared in 1742. When looking up the word indelicate, it is in the top 11%. The 1670s definition for indelicate was, “offensive to a refined sense of propriety, beyond the bounds of the proper reserve,” from in- (1) “not, opposite of” + delicate.
Although it is exciting to find the origin or history of a word, and how the word has changed over the years in definition or spelling, there seems to be that the word indelicate has been one solid word that has not changed through the years or the spelling due to public opinion.
In a Sentence
It is indelicate to talk about such matters.
The company found his frankness indelicate.
The mother didn’t stop herself from using indelicate words to her son.
Synonyms
Course, Indecent, Improper
Antonyms
Delicate, Nice, Pure
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