dainties
/ˈdeɪntiz/
NOUN
1. Delicate and delicious foods
Small, specially prepared, or particularly pleasing foods that are considered delicious, refined, or desirable, often served as treats, desserts, or special refreshments.
1.1. Delicacies and fine foods
Used for special or luxurious foods that are valued for their excellent taste, quality, or refined preparation.
Synonyms
Examples
- The tea party featured an array of delightful dainties on delicate porcelain plates.
- Guests savored the sweet and savory dainties served at the elegant reception.
Related Words
- gourmet food
- specialties
- cuisine
- luxury food
- gastronomy
- banquet
- feast
- indulgence
1.2. Small snacks and tasty morsels
Used for small portions or bite-sized pieces of food that are enjoyed as light refreshments or occasional treats.
Synonyms
- bits
- morsels
- tidbits
- titbits
- goodies
- treats
Examples
- The bakery displayed a tempting selection of petite dainties in the glass case.
- The hostess arranged several dainties on a platter for her afternoon guests.
Related Words
- nibbles
- bites
- snacks
- appetizers
- finger foods
- hors d'oeuvres
- refreshments
1.3. Sweets and confectionery
Used for sweet foods, candies, and confectionery items prepared as enjoyable treats or served after a meal.
Synonyms
- candies
- sweetmeats
- sweets
- desserts
Examples
- The confectioner skillfully crafted miniature dainties for the dessert platter at the event.
- The children eagerly selected their favorite dainties from the assortment of sweets.
Related Words
- confectionery
- bonbons
- chocolates
- pastries
- puddings
- sugar confections
- baked goods
1.4. Homemade treats for social gatherings
Used regionally, particularly in the Canadian Prairies and northwestern Ontario, for fancy homemade cookies, pastries, and dessert squares served at social occasions.
Synonyms
- cookies
- pastries
- sweets
- treats
- goodies
- desserts
Examples
- The holiday table was adorned with a variety of homemade dainties to please every palate.
- The community gathering featured trays of homemade dainties prepared by local families.
Related Words
NOUN
2. Women's delicate undergarments
Women's intimate garments, particularly delicate or attractive underwear designed for personal wear.
2.1. Women's lingerie and intimate apparel
Used to refer to delicate, decorative, or attractive women's undergarments, often emphasizing their refined or feminine appearance.
Synonyms
- lingerie
- underwear
- undergarments
- intimates
Examples
- The boutique displayed an elegant collection of delicate dainties.
- She carefully packed her dainties in a separate compartment of her suitcase.
Related Words
NOUN
3. Esteem and honor
The quality or state of being regarded with affection, respect, admiration, or high regard.
3.1. Respect and personal regard
Used in an archaic or uncommon sense to express the esteem, affection, or honor accorded to a person.
Synonyms
- esteem
- honor
- regard
- respect
Antonyms
- disrespect
- disesteem
- contempt
- disregard
Examples
- The nobleman was held in great esteem by the members of his community.
Related Words
NOUN
4. An affectionate term of address
An affectionate or endearing expression used when addressing someone, conveying tenderness, fondness, or personal attachment.
4.1. Terms of endearment
Used as a familiar or affectionate form of address to express fondness or tenderness toward another person.
Synonyms
Examples
- Come here, my dainty, and let me tell you something wonderful.
Related Words
- affection
- endearment
- fondness
- tenderness
- intimacy
- pet name