Exquisite
/ɪkˈskwɪzɪt/
adjectiveC1
Definition
Exquisite describes something that is extremely beautiful or carefully made with great skill. It can refer to things like art, food, feelings, or experiences that are very special and high quality.
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See It in Action
Very beautiful or delicate
- •She wore an exquisite necklace that sparkled in the sunlight.
- •The garden was full of exquisite flowers in many colors.
- •The artist painted an exquisite portrait with great detail.
Extremely good or high quality
- •The chef prepared an exquisite meal that everyone enjoyed.
- •They had an exquisite taste in music and art.
- •The cake had an exquisite flavor that was both sweet and light.
Make It Stick
- ✓Think of "exquisite" like "beautiful" (A1 word), but much stronger and more detailed—like perfect beauty or skill
- ✓Picture a small, delicate flower with perfect colors and shape, or a very tasty, carefully cooked meal
- ✓It's the feeling when you see or taste something so good it makes you very happy or impressed
- ✓Sounds like "ex-QUIZ-it" → imagine a quiz that is so perfect and well done that everyone loves it
- ✓Think of a fine diamond or a famous painting that people admire for its detail and beauty
- ✓NOT like "nice" (simple, general good feeling) but "exquisite" means very special and rare beauty or quality
- ✓NOT like "cheap" or "ordinary"—exquisite means high quality and carefully made
Try Other Words
- •Delicate: very fine and easily damaged or detailed (Use when emphasizing fragility or fine detail)
- •Elegant: stylish and graceful (Use when focusing on style and smoothness)
- •Fine: of high quality (Use for general good quality without strong emotion)
- •Beautiful: pleasing to look at or experience (Use for general positive appearance or feeling)
Unboxing
- •Word parts: "ex-" (out, very) + "quisite" (from Latin "exquisitus" meaning sought out, carefully chosen)
- •Etymology: From Latin "exquisitus," meaning carefully sought or selected, showing great care
- •Historical development: Used since the 15th century to describe things carefully made or very beautiful
- •Modern usage: Used to describe anything very beautiful, delicate, or of excellent quality, including art, food, feelings, or experiences
Reflect & Connect
•What kinds of things in your life would you describe as exquisite? Why?
•How does the word exquisite change the way you think about beauty or quality compared to simpler words like "nice" or "good"?
Fill in the blanks
1.The artist created an exquisite painting that showed ___ attention to detail and color.
2.She wore an exquisite dress that made her look ___ at the party.
3.The chef’s exquisite dish was praised for its ___ flavor and presentation.
4.When something is described as exquisite, it usually means it is ___ than ordinary.
5.The jewelry was so exquisite that it looked ___ and very valuable.
6.People often use exquisite to talk about things that make them feel ___ or impressed.
7.Unlike simple or plain, exquisite things often require ___ skill or care to make.