# dainty

/ˈdeɪnti/ (US) · /dˈeɪnti/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Adjective

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/dainty
Updated: 2026-05-09

## Definition

small, delicate, and pretty. You use this to describe things that are made with great care or people who move in a light, graceful way.

For teachers: delicately small and pretty in appearance or movement. Often implies a sense of refinement or fragility; can be used to describe physical objects, movements, or a person's appetite.

## Examples

- She wore a dainty gold necklace with a tiny diamond.
- The tea was served in dainty porcelain cups that looked like they might break if handled too roughly.
- The ballerina's dainty footwork masked the incredible physical strength required to maintain such a graceful and seemingly effortless performance on stage.

## Usage notes

- Typically used as an attributive adjective before a noun.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.