Exquisite
/ɪkˈskwɪzɪt/
Definitions
2 meaningsCharacterized by an intense and refined beauty or excellence.
/ɪkˈskwɪzɪt/
Extremely beautiful and delicate
The intricate detail of the artwork was exquisite.
💡 Simply: When something is exquisite, it's like it's been made with extra special care and is just beautiful or perfect. Think of a cake that looks and tastes amazing!
👶 For kids: Something exquisite is super, super pretty or nice. Like a perfect flower or a fancy toy.
More Examples
The restaurant served an exquisite meal with a wide range of flavors.
The diamond necklace was an exquisite piece of jewelry.
How It's Used
"The museum displayed an exquisite collection of Renaissance paintings."
"She wore an exquisite gown to the gala."
Intense or sharp; extreme in its effect or appeal.
/ɪkˈskwɪzɪt/
Intense or sharp
The scent of the flowers was exquisite, filling the room.
💡 Simply: Sometimes, exquisite means something is really intense, like a really strong pain or a super strong smell.
👶 For kids: Exquisite can also mean something is very strong, like a very ouchy pain.
More Examples
The soldier felt exquisite fear before battle.
After the surgery, he felt exquisite pain.
How It's Used
"He felt an exquisite pain in his leg after the accident."
"The aroma of the spices created an exquisite sensation in her."
From Latin *exquisitus*, past participle of *exquirere* ('to seek out, search for'), from *ex* ('out, thoroughly') + *quaerere* ('to seek'). It originally meant 'carefully selected' or 'thoroughly searched out'.
The word 'exquisite' has been used to describe refined beauty and quality since the 16th century. It also took on a meaning of extreme or intense, especially in relation to feelings or sensations, which is found in texts from the 17th and 18th centuries.
Memory tip
Imagine a sculpture so perfectly crafted, every detail is perfect – it's exquisite!
Word Origin
"to seek out, search for"