exquis

Exquis is a French adjective meaning exceptionally fine, delicate, or refined. It is used to describe things that please the senses through quality, craftsmanship, or beauty, such as a dish, an object, a work of art, or a performance. In general, the term conveys a sense of polish and sophistication without necessarily implying perfection.

The word originates from Middle French as exquis, and it is cognate with the English exquisite. In modern French, the adjective agrees with gender and number: masculine singular exquis, feminine singular exquise, masculine plural exquis, feminine plural exquises.

Exquis is commonly found in gastronomic, artistic, and cultural contexts. It can appear in phrases like un plat exquis, une robe exquise, or un travail exquis, signaling high quality, refined taste, or delicate craftsmanship. The nuance often includes connotations of rarity, subtlety, or elegance, rather than a claim of flawlessness.

In English usage, exquis is rare as a standalone form and is typically encountered as a loanword in literary or stylistic writing, where it is usually rendered as exquisite or described with similar terms. The French term remains distinct in its feminine and plural agreements, and it shares semantic territory with related descriptors such as délicat, raffiné, and élégant.