exquisitely

USAGE SUMMARY

"exquisitely" is a correct and usable word in written English.
It is an adverb that means "in an exquisitely perfect or beautiful way." For example, you could say, "The chef prepared the meal exquisitely, and it was a delight to the senses."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

My first impression: This book is an exquisitely written true story about a quest to see a wild saola -- an animal that inhabits the mountainous jungles that adorn the border between Laos and Vietnam.

The Guardian

I focused the glass: white tail-tip, wing-bars, the exquisitely patterned crown of a woodlark.

The Guardian

The sharp decline in the global oil price, from $100-plus 100-plus last autumn to just $50, came as an exquisitely timed fillip for the Conservatives.

The Guardian - Business

The whole thing was exquisitely uncomfortable to watch, with only Savion Glover's dancing giving uncompromised pleasure.

The Guardian - Film

And all of it is exquisitely unfair," said Lawton, who retired as Chatham County's head prosecutor in 2008.

The Guardian

It is thought to derive from the Old English ammel, meaning "enamel", and is an exquisitely exact word for a fugitive phenomenon I have several times seen, but never before named.

The Guardian - Books

The genius of the School of Art, and many of Mackintosh's other works, is the combination of off-the-peg materials with things that have been exquisitely crafted.

The Guardian - Arts

He is dressed quite exquisitely, and we are all immensely lucky to have him.

The Guardian - Opinion

With endless elections and permanent campaigns, it is exquisitely sensitive to voters' wants.

The Economist

Focusing on Moser's most productive years, this gorgeous exhibition presents more than 200 exquisitely elegant works, including books, glassware, metal pieces, ceramics, jewelry and furniture.

The New York Times - Arts

The details of this pattern are exquisitely sensitive to what the molecules in the membrane are doing.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "exquisitely", consider the context. It often implies a sense of refinement, beauty, or precision. Consider if another adverb might be more accurate.

Common error

Avoid using "exquisitely" in casual conversation or informal writing where it might sound pretentious or overly formal. Simpler adverbs like "beautifully" or "perfectly" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The adverb "exquisitely" primarily functions to modify verbs, adjectives, or other adverbs, enhancing their meaning by emphasizing the exceptional quality or manner of an action or state. It indicates something is done with great care, beauty, or precision, as Ludwig demonstrates.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

53%

Formal & Business

25%

Science

22%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "exquisitely" functions as an adverb that amplifies the quality of an action or attribute, implying exceptional beauty, skill, or precision. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and commonly used, particularly in news and media, business, and scientific contexts. To enhance your writing, use "exquisitely" to emphasize superior quality, but be mindful of overusing it in informal settings. Consider alternatives like "delicately" or "finely" to avoid pretension. Understanding these nuances ensures "exquisitely" is used effectively to add depth and sophistication to your expression.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

in a refined manner

Emphasizes sophistication and attention to detail.

with great delicacy

Highlights the careful and gentle approach.

in an exceptionally fine way

Focuses on the superior quality of the execution.

with remarkable finesse

Stresses skill and grace in performance.

to a high degree

Indicates a significant level of intensity or quality.

in a highly polished style

Highlights the refined and perfected nature.

with extreme elegance

Emphasizes the graceful and stylish presentation.

in an utterly beautiful way

Focuses on the aesthetic appeal and loveliness.

with utmost precision

Highlights the accuracy and exactness of the action.

in a sublimely perfect fashion

Emphasizes the flawless and magnificent quality.

FAQs

How can I use "exquisitely" in a sentence?

"Exquisitely" is typically used to describe something done or made with exceptional beauty or skill. For example, "The painting was "exquisitely" detailed" or "She danced "exquisitely" across the stage."

What are some alternatives to using "exquisitely"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives such as "delicately", "finely", "beautifully", or "perfectly". Each conveys a slightly different nuance.

Is it correct to use "exquisitely" to describe something negative?

While "exquisitely" usually describes something positive, it can be used ironically to describe something negatively striking. For instance, "The plan was "exquisitely" bad" implies a remarkably poor quality.

What's the difference between "exquisitely" and "beautifully"?

"Exquisitely" implies a higher degree of refinement, precision, and artistry than "beautifully". Something done "exquisitely" is not just beautiful but also skillfully and perfectly executed.