DictionaryexquisiteIntense sensation
adjective

exquisite

Felt with extreme intensity.

Even a light touch causes exquisite pain in her injured wrist.

Etymology

Latin exquisitus described something carefully sought out or selected. From exceptional refinement, exquisite developed a use for sensations felt to an exceptional degree, including pain.

More examples

  • The first sip of cold water brings exquisite pleasure.
  • He remembers the exquisite agony of waiting for her answer.
  • The poem captures the exquisite joy of their reunion.

Forms

exquisite

exquisitely adverb — To an extreme degree of intensity.

Similar words

intense
Describes strong sensations without suggesting unusual sharpness or refinement.
acute
Emphasizes sharp or severe sensations, especially pain and distress.