Dainty: meaning, definitions and examples

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dainty

[ˈdeɪnti ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Adjective}

food

Delicately small and pretty.

Synonyms

delicate, elegant, exquisite.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dainty	Used to describe something small, pretty, and delicate in a way that appeals to someone’s sense of beauty. It's often applied to food or flowers. She picked up the dainty teacup with two fingers The dainty pastries were almost too beautiful to eat
delicate	Describes something that is fine in texture or structure and easily broken or damaged. It can also refer to someone’s feelings or health. The delicate lace fabric tore easily She has delicate health and needs to rest often
exquisite	Focuses on something that is exceptionally beautiful or carefully crafted. It conveys a higher degree of beauty or skill. The artist's exquisite attention to detail brought the painting to life They enjoyed an exquisite meal at the five-star restaurant
elegant	Imparts a sense of grace and style, often associated with fashion, decor, and manners. It conveys sophistication and refinement. She was wearing an elegant black dress to the gala The dining room was decorated in an elegant blend of traditional and modern styles

Examples of usage

She served dainty sandwiches at the tea party.
The cake was decorated with dainty flowers.

^{Context #2 | Adjective}

behavior

Delicately pretty or charming.

Synonyms

charming, elegant, graceful.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dainty	Describes something delicately small and pretty. Often used for food, small objects, or features. She chose a dainty teacup for her afternoon tea The lace on her dress looked very dainty
graceful	Refers to someone or something that moves in a smooth, relaxed, and attractive way. Frequently used for movement, dance, or animals. The ballerina's performance was graceful The swan glided across the lake in a graceful manner
charming	Used to describe someone or something that is attractive in a pleasant and delightful way. Often used for people or places. He has a charming smile that makes everyone feel welcome The little cottage in the woods is quite charming
elegant	Describes something or someone that is stylish and sophisticated. Often used for fashion, decor, and mannerisms. She wore an elegant evening gown to the gala The ballroom was decorated in an elegant style

Examples of usage

She had a dainty way of speaking.
Her dainty manners impressed everyone.

^{Context #3 | Noun}

person

A delicately small and pretty person.

Synonyms

delicate person, elegant person, graceful person.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dainty	Best used to describe something or someone that is delicately small and pretty. It often has a refined and charming quality. She wore a dainty bracelet on her wrist. The tea set was adorned with dainty floral patterns.
delicate person	Used to describe someone who is fragile, tender, or easily affected physically or emotionally. This term can sometimes imply weakness. He's always been a delicate person, needing extra care and attention. The doctors advised her to take it easy because of her delicate constitution.
elegant person	Refers to someone who possesses a sophisticated and refined sense of style and manners. This term often suggests a timeless and graceful quality. The party was attended by many elegant persons dressed in luxurious attire. Her elegant demeanor always impresses everyone she meets.
graceful person	Used to describe someone who moves in a smooth, beautiful, and seemingly effortless way. It can also apply to someone's overall graceful and charming behavior. The ballerina was a graceful person, captivating the audience with every move. He is a graceful speaker, engaging everyone with his eloquence.

Examples of usage

She was a dainty in her elegant dress.
The ballerina moved with the grace of a dainty.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

Originates from the Old French word 'deinté,' meaning 'delicacy' or 'daintiness,' which reflects its historical association with taste and refinement.
The usage of the term has evolved over centuries, initially referring to food that was pleasurable to the senses before expanding to describe elegance in general.

Cultural Significance

In Victorian times, dainty was often used to describe refined women’s behavior, emphasizing gracefulness and a gentle demeanor.
Tea parties in various cultures often feature 'dainty' servings, reflecting elegance and sophistication in hospitality.

Literature

Many authors, including Jane Austen, used 'dainty' to describe characters and settings that emphasized beauty and delicacy, highlighting societal values of their time.
In poetry, it often symbolizes fragility and beauty, adding layers of meaning when describing various subjects, such as nature or relationships.

Fashion

Fashion choices over the years have included 'dainty' accessories, like delicate necklaces and dainty shoes, which became synonymous with grace and elegance.
The concept of dainty fashion encourages choosing lighter colors and finer materials that enhance a soft and gentle look.

Psychology

Studies suggest that perceptions of 'daintiness' can evoke feelings of tenderness and care, often associating it with positive attributes like kindness and grace.
Dainty objects are often perceived as more aesthetically pleasing, which can influence design choices in various fields like interior design and branding.

Translations

Translations of the word "dainty" in other languages:

🇵🇹 delicado

🇮🇳 नाज़ुक

🇩🇪 zart

🇮🇩 halus

🇺🇦 делікатний

🇵🇱 delikatny

🇯🇵 繊細な (sensai na)

🇫🇷 délicat

🇪🇸 delicado

🇹🇷 narin

🇰🇷 섬세한 (seomsehan)

🇸🇦 رقيق (raqiq)

🇨🇿 jemný

🇸🇰 jemný

🇨🇳 娇嫩的 (jiāonèn de)

🇸🇮 nežen

🇮🇸 viðkvæmur

🇰🇿 нәзік

🇬🇪 ნაზი (nazi)

🇦🇿 zərif

🇲🇽 delicado

Word Frequency Rank

At position #14,448, this word is part of sophisticated English vocabulary. It's useful for academic or professional contexts where precise language is needed.

...
14445 complimentary
14446 primordial
14447 scandalous
14448 dainty
14449 abated
14450 oscillating
14451 didactic
...