Overdelicateness

Part of speech: noun

Definitions

1. The quality of being excessively sensitive or fragile in temperament, appearance, or constitution; an excessive fineness or tenderness in manner or feeling; a tendency to be overly particular or fastidious in taste or style
2. An extreme state of delicate refinement or weakness, whether in physical health, emotional sensitivity, or aesthetic appreciation; the condition of showing undue fragility or softness; being overly careful or meticulous to the point of vulnerability
3. The characteristic of surpassing usual delicacy by exhibiting heightened sensitivity or frailty; an exaggerated gentleness or subtlety in behavior, health, or artistic presentation; an inclination toward excessive fineness or softness in expression or demeanor

Etymology: "Overdelicateness" is a compound built from "over-" and "delicateness," so its story is mostly the story of its two parts. "Delicate" comes into English in the late 1300s through Old French "delicat," from Latin "delicatus," which meant "luxurious, pleasure-loving" and was probably tied to "delicia," "delight." The sense of "fine in texture or easily damaged" developed later, so the word's earliest meanings leaned toward indulgence rather than fragility. The prefix "over-" is Old English in origin and attaches to adjectives and nouns to mean "excessively." "Delicateness" is formed by adding the suffix "-ness" to "delicate," a pattern English has used since Old English to turn adjectives into nouns of quality. Joined together, the two parts describe a quality carried to excess. The compound is a transparent formation, so it is best understood as a modern coinage built from familiar pieces rather than a word with a dramatic past of its own.

Synonyms: excessive delicacy, oversensitivity, fussiness, fragility, timidity

Antonyms: robustness, hardiness, strength, toughness, resilience