daintily

UK: /ˈdeɪntɪli/ US: /ˈdeɪntəli/

WordReference Random House Learner's Dictionary of American English © 2025

dain•ty /ˈdeɪnti/   adj., -ti•er, -ti•est, n., pl. -ties. 
adj. 

1. of delicate beauty; pretty;
   neat:
   a dainty lace handkerchief.
2. pleasing to the taste and, often, temptingly served:
   dainty pastries.
3. fussy;
   choosy;
   fastidious:
   a dainty eater.

n. [countable]

4. something delicious to the taste;
   a delicacy.

dain•ti•ly /ˈdeɪntəli/  adv. 
dain•ti•ness, n. [uncountable]

WordReference Random House Unabridged Dictionary of American English © 2025

dain•ty  (dān′tē), adj., -ti•er, -ti•est, n., pl. -ties. 
adj. 

1. of delicate beauty;
   exquisite:
   a dainty lace handkerchief.
2. pleasing to the taste and, often, temptingly served or delicate;
   delicious:
   dainty pastries.
3. of delicate discrimination or taste;
   particular;
   fastidious:
   a dainty eater.
4. overly particular;
   finicky.

n. 

5. something delicious to the taste;
   a delicacy.

• Latin dignitāt- (stem of dignitās); see dignity
• Anglo-French (Old French deint(i)e)
• Middle English deinte worthiness, happiness, delicacy 1175–1225

dain′ti•ly, adv. 
dain′ti•ness, n. 
Synonyms

• 1. fine. See delicate. 
• 2. tender, delectable.
• 3. See particular. 
• 4. overnice.
• 5. tidbit, sweetmeat.