dainty

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "dainty" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe something that is delicately small and pretty, often in reference to food or mannerisms. Example: "She served a dainty tea set that was perfect for the afternoon gathering."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

I saw past your sleek gold label and ignored the dainty droplets telling me you were perfectly chilled.

The Guardian

The dainty kitten heels looked sensible at first, until closer inspection revealed that they were odd.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Along the way she delivers some charming anecdotes, amusing pictures and mouth-watering recipes.From dainty, crustless cucumber squares to Yorkshire 'mucky-fat' doorstops (wedges of white bread and dripping), the sandwich has been enjoyed by both rich and poor.

The Economist

It has sent a peculiarly dainty questionnaire to 400,000 troops, asking, inter alia, how they would feel about attending parties with the spouses of gay comrades, and whether they would mind using showers without curtains when there were gay soldiers around.Some Republicans speak of a campaign against repeal, claiming that it would hurt military morale and impede recruiting.

The Economist

By changing her name, acquiring that dainty little lift of an accent aigu, she suggested to customers that her background might be aristocratic and even European.

The Economist

There are literally dozens of other memorable Tang objects—some dainty, others ferocious, extravagant or meditative beginning with a four-tonne, smiling Buddha in the palace courtyard.Buddhism reached China from India in the first century but only in the fourth after the collapse of the Han did it spread rapidly through the country.

The Economist

She writes of the breakdown of her parents' marriage, her father's abandonment of her and the intolerable cruelty inflicted on her by her dainty, petite, vicious mother, who finds her daughter disgusting and whips her with a leather belt saying she is going to "cut the blood" out of her.The young Ms Moore has no friends.

The Economist

Bigger machines and dainty mopeds were worst hit, dropping by 16 % and 21 between 2012 and 2013.Sales of motorcycles with 120-130cc engine capacity (a lower-range bike) however have risen from an eighth to a third of the market share since 2000.

The Economist

Caked in earth were 500 gold bracelets, rings and necklaces set with precious stones; ancient cameos and intaglios; earrings dangling with bunches of amethyst grapes; long, dainty chains with links of enamelled daisies or roses; and fashionable brooches including an engaging enamelled lizard set with Colombian emeralds (pictured).The workmen had stumbled on the stock of a 17th-century goldsmith.

The Economist

At the cash registers, a man piles up bags of bloody meat as a woman waits to pay for a dainty square of chocolate.There are risks in Shoprite's expansion.

The Economist

There is the Museum in Black, a museum of racial stereotypes where you can find gollywogs, watermelon candles and a poster for "a dainty morsel", a chocolate bar that advertises its delights with a picture of a black child being devoured by a crocodile.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing objects or actions, use "dainty" to convey a sense of refined smallness and elegance, evoking an image of careful craftsmanship or delicate beauty.

Common error

Avoid using "dainty" to describe concepts or objects that are inherently large or forceful. This can create an incongruous and potentially humorous, but inaccurate, image.

Linguistic Context

The adjective "dainty" primarily functions as a descriptive modifier, adding detail and nuance to nouns. It's used to imbue objects or actions with a sense of delicate beauty, smallness, and refinement, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

35%

Science

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Reference

5%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The adjective "dainty" is a versatile descriptor used to convey a sense of delicate smallness and refined elegance. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and notes its prevalence across varied sources, from news articles to encyclopedic entries. While synonyms like ""delicate"" or ""exquisite"" exist, "dainty" uniquely captures the combination of small size and attractive refinement. Remember to use "dainty" judiciously, avoiding its application in contexts where its connotations of smallness and fragility would be inappropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

delicately small

A more literal description emphasizing the small size and refined quality, directly reflecting the core meaning of "dainty".

delicate

Focuses on the fragility and fineness of something, similar to "dainty" but with a stronger emphasis on its susceptibility to damage.

charmingly small

Highlights the appealing and attractive nature of something small, capturing the positive connotation of "dainty".

exquisite

Highlights the exceptional beauty and refinement, implying a higher level of artistry and craftsmanship compared to "dainty".

petite

Specifically refers to small size, often used to describe people or objects, overlapping with the 'small' aspect of "dainty".

elegant

Emphasizes grace and style, covering the 'pretty' and refined aspects of "dainty" but with less focus on size.

graceful

Highlights the beauty in movement and form, related to the aesthetic appeal often associated with "dainty".

refined

Stresses the sophistication and cultivation, mirroring the delicate and polished nature implied by "dainty".

finely crafted

Focuses on the meticulous detail and artistry involved, relating to the refined quality often present in "dainty" objects.

daintily

This is the adverbial form of the adjective "dainty", describing an action performed with delicacy and grace.

FAQs

How can I use "dainty" in a sentence?

Use "dainty" to describe something small, delicate, and pretty. For example, "She wore a "dainty necklace"" or "The tea was served in "dainty cups"".

What are some synonyms for "dainty"?

Synonyms include "delicate", "exquisite", "petite", and "elegant". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired nuance.

Is it appropriate to describe a person as "dainty"?

While "dainty" can be used to describe a person, particularly their movements or features, it can sometimes carry connotations of fragility or excessive refinement. Consider using alternatives like "graceful" or "petite" depending on the intended meaning.

What is the difference between "dainty" and "delicate"?

"Dainty" implies a pleasing smallness and prettiness, while "delicate" emphasizes fragility and fine craftsmanship. A "dainty" flower might be admired for its small size and beauty, whereas a "delicate" flower might be admired for its intricate structure and susceptibility to damage.