adjective

dainty

/ˈdeɪnti/ · say it: DAYN·tee

delicately small and pretty

In Describing & Comparing

In more detail

1. (adjective) small, delicate, and graceful

2. (adjective) (of food or tastes) refined and particular; liking only certain foods

3. (adjective) requiring care or delicacy to handle

Examples

1. She had dainty hands and walked with dainty steps.
2. He is a dainty eater who refuses most foods.
3. The dainty porcelain cup needed careful washing.

How to use dainty

Dainty describes something small and delicate with an elegant or refined quality, often with a hint of preciousness. It can describe physical objects (dainty lace), food preferences (a dainty eater who is finicky), or movement (dainty steps). The term carries a somewhat old-fashioned or formal tone and is less commonly used in modern casual speech.

Common phrases

dainty fingers
dainty dish
dainty eater
dainty morsel
dainty teacup

Synonyms

delicate · petite · graceful · refined · exquisite

Opposites

robust · coarse · clumsy

Word family

daintily (adverb) · daintiness (noun)

A common mistake

Learners sometimes use 'dainty' to mean simply 'small' without the implication of elegance or delicacy, but the word specifically combines size with grace or refinement.

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