Definition of 'dainty'
adjectiveWord forms: -tier or -tiest
3.
Collins English Dictionary. Copyright © HarperCollins Publishers
Derived forms
adverb
daintiness (ˈdaintiness)
noun
Word origin of 'dainty'
nounWord forms: plural ˈdainties
1.
a choice food; delicacy
adjectiveWord forms: ˈdaintier or ˈdaintiest
2.
delicious and choice
a dainty morsel
3.
delicately pretty or lovely
SIMILAR WORDS: ˈdelicate
SYNONYMY NOTE: dainty, in this comparison, suggests delicate taste and implies a tendency to reject that
which does not fully accord with one's refined sensibilities [a dainty appetite]; nice suggests fine or subtle discriminative powers, esp. in intellectual matters [a nice distinction in definition]; particular implies dissatisfaction with anything that fails to conform in detail with one's
standards [particular in one's choice of friends]; fastidious implies adherence to such high standards as to be disdainfully critical of even minor
nonconformities [a fastidious taste in literature]; squeamish suggests such extreme sensitiveness to what is unpleasant, or such prudishness, as
to result in disgust or nausea [not too squeamish in his business dealings]Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
Derived forms
adverb
daintiness (ˈdaintiness)
noun
Word origin of 'dainty'
Example sentences containing 'dainty'
These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content.
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A dainty little plant that packs a punch. Times, Sunday Times (2015)I also know she would look dainty and elegant while eating a bacon sandwich. The Sun (2015)What a pretty, dainty name. Times, Sunday Times (2015)You eat quail's eggs because they are dainty, sweet and delicious. Times, Sunday Times (2014)These are plants that reflect the autumn and early winter scene beautifully; small trees and dainty shrubs cloaked in unrivalled autumn colour and bearing delightful winged fruit. Times, Sunday Times (2012)Everyone wants pretty, dainty feet and I am so looking forward to showing mine off. The Sun (2012)
Trends of 'dainty'
Used Occasionally. dainty is one of the 30000 most commonly used words in the Collins dictionary
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Translations for 'dainty'
British English: dainty ADJECTIVE
If you describe a movement, person, or object as dainty, you mean that they are small, delicate, and pretty.
The girls were dainty and feminine.
Source
Definition of dainty from the
Collins English Dictionary
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