Word of the Day: Exquisite

ex-qui-site / ek’skwizət

 

adjective

 

1. marked by flawless, beautiful and/or delicate craftsmanship or execution

We should learn from the snail; it has devised a home that is both exquisite and functional.

Frank Lloyd Wright, 1967-1959

 

2. marked by subtle understanding or keen sensitivity

I would say the hallmarks of Italian style are a poetical connection to nature and to materiality, materials, and exquisite taste.

David Salle, 1952-

 

3. extraordinarily fine

What I see in the book is an exquisite form of technology: one that doesn’t require a power source and can be passed from hand to hand and lasts a lot longer than an electronic reader.

Louise Erdrich, 1954-

 

4. of particular refinement

Poetry is the exquisite expression of exquisite impressions.

Philibert Joseph Roux, 1780-1854

 

5. carefully sought after or chosen

Life is a spell so exquisite that everything conspires to break it.

Emily Dickinson, 1830-1886

 

6. of special or rare beauty

Every day we should hear at least one little song, read one good poem, see one exquisite picture, and if possible, speak a few sensible words.

Johann Wolfgang von Goethe, 1749-1832

 

7. intense; strongly felt

If love was a choice, who would ever choose such exquisite pain?

Margaret Landon, 1903-1993