Quaint: meaning, definitions and examples

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quaint

 

[ kweɪnt ]

Adjective
Context #1 | Adjective

charming

Attractive in an unusual or old-fashioned way; picturesque.

Synonyms

attractive, charming, picturesque.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
quaint

Repeated entry, refer to the first example for 'quaint'.

charming

Use this word to describe someone or something that is pleasantly delightful and often has a charismatic or endearing quality. It can be applied to people, places, or experiences.

  • He has a charming smile that makes everyone feel at ease
  • The little café was charming, with its friendly staff and cozy atmosphere
picturesque

This word is ideal for describing scenes or views that are visually striking and appealing, almost like a picture. It is often used for landscapes or environments.

  • The view from the mountain top was picturesque, with a stunning panorama of the valley below
  • They visited a picturesque seaside town during their vacation
attractive

This term is generally used to describe something that is pleasing to the senses or appealing in some way. It is more broad and can refer to people, places, or objects.

  • The new apartment complex is quite attractive with its modern design
  • She found the job offer very attractive due to its high salary and benefits

Examples of usage

  • The village is full of quaint old houses.
  • She has a quaint sense of humor.
Context #2 | Adjective

unfamiliar

Unfamiliar or unusual in character; strange.

Synonyms

odd, peculiar, strange, unusual.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
quaint

Use 'quaint' when describing something charmingly old-fashioned or attractively unusual, often with a nostalgic or sentimental feeling.

  • The village had a quaint, old-world charm.
  • She lives in a quaint cottage by the sea.
unusual

Use 'unusual' to describe something that is not common, typical, or ordinary, usually without a strong positive or negative connotation.

  • It's unusual to see so much snow in this region.
  • He has an unusual talent for solving puzzles.
strange

Use 'strange' when referring to something that is unusual and hard to explain, often evoking curiosity or concern. It can sometimes have a slightly negative connotation.

  • It was strange to see the streets so empty in the middle of the day.
  • She felt a strange sensation in her arm.
peculiar

Use 'peculiar' to describe something that is distinctively unusual or different from the norm, often in a way that is hard to understand.

  • There was a peculiar smell coming from the basement.
  • He has a peculiar way of speaking that makes him hard to understand.
odd

Use 'odd' to describe something or someone that is unusual or unexpected in a strange or surprising way. It can sometimes carry a slightly negative connotation.

  • She has some odd habits, like talking to her plants.
  • It's odd that he didn't show up for the meeting.

Examples of usage

  • She wore a quaint little hat.
  • The shop sells quaint souvenirs.

Translations

Translations of the word "quaint" in other languages:

🇵🇹 pitoresco

🇮🇳 पुराने ज़माने का

🇩🇪 malerisch

🇮🇩 kuno

🇺🇦 колоритний

🇵🇱 malowniczy

🇯🇵 古風な

🇫🇷 pittoresque

🇪🇸 pintoresco

🇹🇷 şirin

🇰🇷 옛스러운

🇸🇦 غريب

🇨🇿 malebný

🇸🇰 malebný

🇨🇳 古雅的

🇸🇮 slikovit

🇮🇸 sérkennilegur

🇰🇿 ерекше

🇬🇪 უცნაური

🇦🇿 qəribə

🇲🇽 pintoresco

Etymology

The word 'quaint' originated from the Middle English word 'queinte', which came from the Old French word 'cointe', meaning clever or strange. Over time, the meaning of the word evolved to refer to something attractively unusual or old-fashioned. The word has been used in English literature for centuries to describe charming and picturesque scenes.

Word Frequency Rank

Ranked #11,290, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.