What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
dedicate
Example
The author dedicated her book to her parents. [dedicated: past tense]
Example
I want to dedicate my life to helping others. [dedicate: verb]
delicate
Example
Be careful with the delicate vase, it's very expensive. [delicate: adjective]
Example
The negotiations require a delicate touch to avoid any misunderstandings. [delicate: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Delicate is more commonly used than dedicate in everyday language. Delicate is a versatile word that can be used to describe a wide range of situations and objects, while dedicate is more specific and often used in formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between dedicate and delicate?
Dedicate is typically used in formal contexts, such as dedicating a book or building, while delicate can be used in both formal and informal contexts to describe a variety of situations and objects.