What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
delicately
Example
She delicately placed the vase on the shelf. [delicately: adverb]
Example
He handled the situation delicately, not wanting to offend anyone. [delicately: adverb]
finely
Example
The chef finely chopped the herbs for the sauce. [finely: adverb]
Example
The sand on the beach was finely ground and soft underfoot. [finely: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Finely is more commonly used than delicately in everyday language. Finely is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while delicately is less common and more specific in its usage.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between delicately and finely?
Both delicately and finely are considered formal words and are appropriate for use in academic or professional writing.