Exquisite

Definition

Extremely beautiful, delicate, and detailed in design or craftsmanship.

Pronunciation

Part of speech

adjective

Synonyms

Beautiful, delicate, detailed, elegant, fine

Antonyms

Ugly, crude, rough, coarse, inelegant

Example sentences:

• The exquisite jewelry was a work of art, with intricate designs and sparkling gems.
• The exquisite pastry was a masterpiece of French pastry-making, with layers of flaky pastry and rich, creamy filling.
• The exquisite calligraphy on the invitation was a work of art, with each letter perfectly formed and spaced.

Usage

The word “exquisite” is an adjective that describes something that is extremely beautiful, delicate, or intricate. It is often used to describe works of art, jewelry, or other finely crafted objects. The word “exquisite” comes from the Latin word “exquisitus,” which means “carefully chosen” or “sought out.”

The prefix “ex-” in “exquisite” means “out” or “out of.” This prefix emphasizes the idea that something is exceptional, surpassing ordinary or expected standards. The root word “quisit” is derived from the Latin word “quaerere,” which means “to seek” or “to search for.” This root emphasizes the idea that something is carefully chosen or selected.

There are several variations of the word “exquisite” that use different prefixes or suffixes. For example, the prefix “in-” can be added to “exquisite” to create the word “inexquisite,” which means the opposite of exquisite. Similarly, the suffix “-ly” can be added to “exquisite” to create the adverb “exquisitely,” which describes the way in which something is exquisite.

In usage, “exquisite” is a term that is often associated with beauty, elegance, and refinement. It is often used to describe things that are rare or unique, and that require a great deal of skill or craftsmanship to create. For example, an exquisite painting might be one that is finely detailed and beautifully composed, while an exquisite piece of jewelry might be one that is finely crafted and intricately designed.

However, it’s important to note that the term “exquisite” can also be used in a negative context, particularly when describing things that are overly delicate or fragile. For example, an exquisite vase might be one that is beautifully crafted, but that is also so fragile that it could easily break.

In conclusion, “exquisite” is a term that is often used to describe things that are beautiful, delicate, and finely crafted. It is derived from the Latin word “exquisitus” and is often associated with rarity, uniqueness, and exceptional skill or craftsmanship. While the term is generally used in a positive context, it’s important to be aware of its potential negative connotations when describing things that are overly delicate or fragile.