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Where does the word "dainty" come from? It comes from Latin dignitas, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).
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Where does the word "dainty" come from? It comes from Latin dignitas, passing through Old French before entering English (1200s).
Dainty’s story begins in Latin: dignitas meant “worthiness.” From 'dignus', worthy, the same root as 'dignity'. By medieval, the word had taken hold in Old French as deintié. A choice morsel or something prized. It reached English by 1200s as dainty. The adjective 'delicate, petite' grew out of the prized-titbit sense. Today, dainty means delicately small and pretty.
- Stage 1 · Latin · ancient dignitas "worthiness", from 'dignus', worthy, the same root as 'dignity'.
- Stage 2 · Old French · medieval deintié "delicacy, pleasure", a choice morsel or something prized.
- Stage 3 · English · 1200s dainty "a delicacy", the adjective 'delicate, petite' grew out of the prized-titbit sense.