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