Dainty

ˈdeɪnti

adjectiveBeginner📊CommonGeneral
2 meanings3 questions

Definitions

2 meanings
1

Delicately small and graceful; of exquisite taste or beauty; pleasing to the taste.

ˈdeɪnti

adjectivepositiveBeginner
General

Delicately small and pretty.

The princess wore a dainty crown.

💡 Simply: Imagine a tiny, cute thing, like a butterfly or a cupcake! Dainty means something is small, pretty, and delicate, like something you'd want to be extra careful with.

👶 For kids: A tiny and pretty or delicate thing that's cute!

More Examples

2

A dainty flower grew in the garden.

3

She ate her meal with dainty bites.

How It's Used

General

"She had a dainty little teacup."

Fashion

"The model wore a dainty necklace."

2

A delicate or choice morsel of food.

ˈdeɪnti

nounpositiveIntermediate
General

Something considered delicious to eat.

The chef prepared several dainties for the guests.

💡 Simply: A tasty treat, a special snack that's small and delicious, like a mini cupcake or a fancy chocolate. It's like a little something extra yummy!

👶 For kids: A yummy treat!

More Examples

2

We enjoyed a plate of dainties at the tea party.

3

The bakery is known for its delicious dainties.

How It's Used

Culinary

"The caterer provided a selection of dainties."

Tip:A dainty is a delicious treat, a special food you savor.

Synonyms & Antonyms

From Old French `daintie`, meaning `delicate` or `pleasing`. Ultimately from Latin `dignus` meaning `worthy` or `deserving`.

The word 'dainty' has been used since the 13th century to describe things of delicate beauty or exquisite taste. Initially linked with notions of being 'worthy'.

Memory tip

Think of a tiny, graceful dancer; a Dainty dancer is graceful and petite.

Word Origin

LanguageOld French, Latin
Original meaning

"Delicate, Worthy"

Base: dainty
dainty littledainty handsdainty flowerdainty necklacedainty tea party

Common misspellings

dantydaynty

Usage

40%Spoken
60%Written