Dictionary

1exquisite

adjective ex·qui·site \ek-ˈskwi-zət, ˈek-(ˌ)\

: finely done or made : very beautiful or delicate

: very sensitive or fine

: extreme or intense

Full Definition of EXQUISITE

1
:  carefully selected :  choice
2
archaic :  accurate
3
a :  marked by flawless craftsmanship or by beautiful, ingenious, delicate, or elaborate execution <an exquisite vase>
b :  marked by nice discrimination, deep sensitivity, or subtle understanding <exquisite taste>
c :  accomplished, perfected <an exquisite gentleman>
4
a :  pleasing through beauty, fitness, or perfection <an exquisite white blossom>
b :  acute, intense <exquisite pain>
c :  having uncommon or esoteric appeal
ex·qui·site·ly adverb
ex·qui·site·ness noun
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Examples of EXQUISITE

  1. My dream was … to play smoky ballads of exquisite sweetness and sophistication with somebody like Michelle Pfeiffer leaning misty-eyed over my shoulder. Actually, since this was the middle of the fifties, my fantasy ideal was probably closer to Doris Day. —Daniel C. Dennett, Curious Minds, (2004) 2005

Origin of EXQUISITE

Middle English exquisit, from Latin exquisitus, past participle of exquirere to search out, from ex- + quaerere to seek
First Known Use: 15th century

Synonym Discussion of EXQUISITE

choice, option, alternative, preference, selection, election mean the act or opportunity of choosing or the thing chosen. choice suggests the opportunity or privilege of choosing freely <freedom of choice>. option implies a power to choose that is specifically granted or guaranteed <the option of paying now or later>. alternative implies a need to choose one and reject another possibility <equally attractive alternatives>. preference suggests a choice guided by one's judgment or predilections <a preference for cool weather>. selection implies a range of choice <a varied selection of furniture>. election implies an end or purpose which requires exercise of judgment <doing a tax return forces certain elections on you>.

choice, exquisite, elegant, rare, delicate, dainty mean having qualities that appeal to a cultivated taste. choice stresses preeminence in quality or kind <choice fabric>. exquisite implies a perfection in workmanship or design that appeals only to very sensitive taste <an exquisite gold bracelet>. elegant applies to what is rich and luxurious but restrained by good taste <a sumptuous but elegant dining room>. rare suggests an uncommon excellence <rare beauty>. delicate implies exquisiteness, subtlety, and fragility <delicate craftsmanship>. dainty sometimes carries an additional suggestion of smallness and of appeal to the eye or palate <dainty sandwiches>.

Rhymes with EXQUISITE

2exquisite

noun ex·qui·site \ek-ˈskwi-zət, ˈek-(ˌ)\

Definition of EXQUISITE

:  one who is overly fastidious in dress or ornament

Origin of EXQUISITE

(see 1exquisite)
First Known Use: 1819

Rhymes with EXQUISITE

EXQUISITE Defined for Kids

exquisite

adjective ex·qui·site \ek-ˈskwi-zət, ˈek-skwi-\

Definition of EXQUISITE for Kids

1
:  finely made or done <exquisite workmanship>
2
:  very pleasing (as through beauty) <exquisite roses>
3
:  intense 1, extreme <exquisite pain>
Medical Dictionary

exquisite

adjective ex·qui·site \ik-ˈskwiz-ət, ek-\

Medical Definition of EXQUISITE

:  acute 2a, intense <exquisite pain>
ex·qui·site·ly \-lē\ adverb

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