exquisite

¹ex·qui·site

adj \ek-ˈskwi-zət, ˈek-(ˌ)\

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

Examples of EXQUISITE

1. a move executed with exquisite precision
2. Her singing voice is truly exquisite.
3. He chose his words with exquisite care.
4. 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
5. Watching Osama bin Laden's first video broadcast after the start of the American air offensive on Afghanistan, I was struck by the exquisite Arabic he spoke. —Navid Kermani, Times Literary Supplement, 1 Oct. 2004

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

Related to EXQUISITE

Synonyms: acute, almighty, blistering, deep, dreadful, excruciating, explosive, intense, fearful, fearsome, ferocious, fierce, frightful, furious, ghastly, hard, heavy, heavy-duty, hellacious, intensive, keen, profound, terrible, vehement, vicious, violent

Antonyms: light, moderate, soft

Related Words: accentuated, aggravated, concentrated, deepened; emphasized, enhanced, heightened, intensified, magnified; stressed; exhaustive, thorough; harsh, rigorous, severe

Near Antonyms: feeble, weak; shallow, superficial; moderated, qualified; alleviated, eased, lightened, toned (down); abated, decreased, diminished, lessened, reduced, subdued

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Rhymes with EXQUISITE

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