dainty
UK: ˈdeɪnti | US: ˈdeɪnti
adj. delicately small and pretty
adj. excessively refined or fastidious
n. a small, delicate piece of food
The word "dainty" traces back to the Old French "deintié," meaning "worthiness" or "delight," derived from Latin "dignitatem" (dignity, worth). Over time, it evolved in Middle English to describe things valued for their delicacy or refinement, eventually narrowing to its modern sense of small, elegant, or fussily refined objects—especially food. The "-y" suffix softened the noun into an adjective, emphasizing qualities of charm and meticulousness.
She wore a dainty lace dress to the garden party.
The chef prepared dainty pastries for the afternoon tea.
His dainty manners made him seem overly delicate.
The kitten took dainty steps across the table.
She picked at her food with dainty fingers.