exquisite
UK: /ɪkˈskwɪz.ɪt/ | US: /ɪkˈskwɪz.ɪt/
adj. extremely beautiful, delicate, or carefully crafted
adj. highly refined or discriminating (e.g., taste, manners)
adj. intensely felt (e.g., pain, pleasure)
exquisite = ex<out> + quis<seek> + ite<adjective suffix>
- ex<out>: From Latin ex-, meaning "out of" or "thoroughly."
- quis<seek>: From Latin quaerere (to seek, inquire), reflecting precision or careful selection.
- ite<adjective suffix>: A Latin-derived suffix forming adjectives indicating quality.
Etymology Origin:
The word exquisite originated in the 15th century from Latin exquisitus ("carefully chosen, refined"), the past participle of exquirere ("to seek out"). It originally described objects or qualities painstakingly selected or crafted, later extending to aesthetic refinement and intense sensations. The morphemes logically combine to convey thoroughness (ex-) in pursuit (quis) of perfection (-ite).
The museum displayed an exquisite collection of Renaissance paintings.
She has an exquisite taste in vintage wines.
The jeweler crafted an exquisite diamond necklace.
He felt exquisite joy when his novel was published.
The chef’s exquisite presentation elevated the dish to art.