Dainty - Definition, Meaning, Synonyms & Antonyms

Dainty meaning refers to something delicately small, exquisite, or pleasing, often related to food, fashion, or behavior.

History of the Word Dainty

Early Usage

The term dainty has been in the English language for centuries. It first appeared in Middle English, derived from the Old French word “daintie” and ultimately from the Latin “dignitas,” meaning worthiness or elegance.

Culinary Delicacies

Initially, it was primarily associated with food. It described delicate, finely crafted dishes that were pleasing to the palate. This association continues in contemporary usage, with dainty treats like petit fours.

Table of Contents

Expanding Meanings

Over time, dainty extended its meaning beyond food to include anything characterized by delicate beauty or charm. It can describe fine clothing, elegant manners, or even a small and delicate person.

English (Dainty As Adjective)

Etymology

Dainty comes from Middle English “daintie,” originating from Old French and Latin “dignitas” (worthiness).

Pronunciation

Pronounced: /ˈdeɪnti/ (DAYN-tee)

Forms of Dainty

Part of Speech	Form	Example
Adjective	Dainty	She wore a dainty necklace.
Comparative	More Dainty	Her dress was more dainty than mine.
Superlative	Most Dainty	Among the desserts, hers was the most dainty.
Adverb	Daintily	She ate the cake daintily.
Noun	Daintiness	The daintiness of the tea set delighted guests.

Derived Terms

Dainty eater
Dainty jewelry
Dainty flower
Dainty shoes
Dainty pastries

Translations

Spanish: Delicado
French: Délicat
German: Zart
Italian: Raffinato
Portuguese: Delicado
Chinese (Simplified): 精致 (Jīngzhì)
Japanese: 優美 (Yūbi)
Dainty meaning in Hindi: सुंदर (Sundar)
Urdu: خوشنما (Khushnama)
Russian: Изящный (Izyashchnyy)

Synonyms

Delicate
Elegant
Exquisite
Refined
Petite
Charming
Graceful
Lovely
Pretty
Tasteful
Fragile
Precious
Airy
Finicky
Fussy
Small
Fine
Dignified
Winsome
Select

Antonyms

Clumsy
Unrefined
Coarse
Unpleasant
Hearty

Examples Sentence

She prepared dainty finger sandwiches for the tea party.
The ballerina’s movements were as dainty as a swan.
He admired the dainty lace detailing on the dress.

FAQs (People May Also Ask)

What does dainty mean in English?

Dainty describes something that is delicately small, exquisite, or pleasing, often related to food, fashion, or behavior.

Are there comparative and superlative forms of dainty?

Yes, the comparative form is “daintier,” and the superlative form is “daintiest.”

Can dainty be used as a noun?

Yes, dainty can also be used as a noun, referring to the quality of being dainty, known as daintiness.

What are some synonyms for dainty?

Synonyms for dainty include delicate, exquisite elegant, and charming.

What’s the opposite of dainty?

The opposite of dainty includes terms like clumsy, unrefined, coarse, and hearty.

Related Content:

Rate this post

Dainty – Definition, Meaning, Synonyms & Antonyms