adjective / noun
dainty
DAYN-tee/ˈdeɪnti/
Small and delicately appealing.
The dainty porcelain cup has a slender handle and delicate floral decoration.
Etymology
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.
In context
fault, Mademoiselle, that we are such strangers, I replied with a smile, bowing over her hand as the waiter closed the door. She was a charming little person, sweet and dainty from head to foot.
More examples
- Dainty white flowers bloom along the garden path.
- These porcelain cups are daintier than our everyday mugs.
- The bakery sells little cakes and other dainties.
Forms
dainty · daintier · daintiest · dainties
daintiness noun — The quality of being delicately attractive.
daintily adverb — In a delicate and graceful manner.