exquisitely

Exquisitely is an adverb used to describe something done in an extremely refined, delicate, or aesthetically pleasing manner. It often signals not just beauty or skill but a high degree of discernment or care, as in handcrafted objects, performances, and design.

The word derives from the adjective exquisite, which originates in Old French exquis, from Latin exquīsitus, the past participle of exquirere, meaning to seek out or select. The sense "carefully chosen, finely wrought" gave rise to the English adjective exquisite and its adverbial form exquisitely.

Exquisitely is common in literary, culinary, and artistic contexts. It can describe visual appearance ("an exquisitely carved statue"), sensory impressions ("an exquisitely balanced dessert"), or manner ("exquisitely polite restraint"). It sometimes conveys a heightened or even idealized standard of quality, and can be used ironically or humorously when the topic is prosaic.

Note that exquisitely typically precedes the adjective or participle it modifies: "exquisitely crafted furniture" or "the prose is exquisitely clear." It can also modify verbs in some contexts, but less commonly to avoid awkward phrasing.

See also

Exquisite; Exquisiteness; Craftsmanship; Aesthetics.