dignitas

worth, worthiness, beauty

1 / 1

A tiny, finely decorated porcelain teacup on a matching saucer, with a slender loop handle, thin rim, and delicate floral sprigs.

adjective / noun

dainty

DAYN-tee/ˈdeɪnti/

Small and delicately appealing.

Etymology

daintyLatinworth, worthiness, beauty

Latin dignitas supplied the idea of worth or excellence. Dainty moved from “pleasing” through “choice, excellent” to “delicately pretty,” turning valued quality into an impression of refined beauty.

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