What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
daintily
Example
She picked up the teacup daintily with her pinky finger extended. [daintily: adverb]
Example
The ballerina danced daintily across the stage, her movements light and graceful. [daintily: adverb]
delicately
Example
The glass figurine was delicately crafted and needed to be handled with care. [delicately: adverb]
Example
He delicately brushed his fingers over the flower petals, admiring their softness. [delicately: adverb]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Delicately is more commonly used than daintily in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of contexts and can be used to describe both physical movements and the handling of delicate objects.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between daintily and delicately?
Both daintily and delicately are formal words that are typically used in more sophisticated or refined contexts, such as fine dining or art appreciation.