Etymology Explorer › English

Where does “delicately” come from?

Delicately comes from Middle English delicat, from Latin delicatus meaning "pleasing" or "alluring," ultimately derived from Latin delicia meaning "delight" or "pleasure."

delicately (English): In a delicate manner; exquisitely; Tactfully

Definitions

  1. In a delicate manner; exquisitely; Tactfully

Ancestry of “delicately”, step by step

StepLanguageWordMeaning
1EnglishdelicateEasily damaged or requiring careful handling;...
2Middle Englishdelicatdelicate
3Latindelicatusalluring, charming, delightful; voluptuous; soft,...
4Latindēliciae—
5Latindēliciō—
6Latindē-—
7Latindē—
8Latinpostbehind; after, since, besides, except; behind,...
9Latinposteablative singular of postis
10Proto-Italicposti—
11Proto-Indo-Europeanpósti—
12Proto-Indo-Europeanpósafterwards, post; by, at
Every word from Proto-Indo-European pós →