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dainty

 - 2 dictionary results

dain⋅ty

  [deyn-tee] adjective, -ti⋅er, -ti⋅est, noun, plural -ties.
Use dainty in a Sentence
–adjective
1. of delicate beauty; exquisite: a dainty lace handkerchief.
2. pleasing to the taste and, often, temptingly served or delicate; delicious: dainty pastries.
3. of delicate discrimination or taste; particular; fastidious: a dainty eater.
4. overly particular; finicky.
–noun
5. something delicious to the taste; a delicacy.
Origin:
1175–1225; ME deinte worthiness, happiness, delicacy < AF (OF deint(i)e) < L dignitāt- (s. of dignitās); see dignity

Related forms:
dain⋅ti⋅ly, adverb
dain⋅ti⋅ness, noun

Synonyms:
1. fine. See delicate. 2. tender, delectable. 3. See particular. 4. overnice. 5. tidbit, sweetmeat.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2009.
Cite This Source Link To dainty
dain·ty   (dān'tē)   
adj.   dain·ti·er, dain·ti·est

  1. Delicately beautiful or charming; exquisite: "No dainty rhymes or sentimental love verses for you, terrible year" (Walt Whitman).

  2. Delicious or choice. See Synonyms at delicate.

  3. Of refined taste; discriminating.

  4. Overly fastidious; squeamish.

n.   pl. dain·ties
Something delicious; a delicacy.

[Middle English deinte, excellent, excellence, from Old French deintie, from Latin dignitās, from dignus, worthy; see dek- in Indo-European roots.]
dain'ti·ly adv., dain'ti·ness n.
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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