How Do You Spell QUAINT?

Pronunciation: [kwˈe͡ɪnt] (IPA)

The word "quaint" is spelled with five letters, but the way it is pronounced can be tricky. In IPA phonetic transcription, it is written as /kweɪnt/. The "qua" sounds like "kwuh," with the "ai" making an "aye" sound. The "n" is pronounced like a regular "n," but the "t" is not pronounced as a separate sound. Instead, it makes the "nt" sound, similar to the word "went." So when you say "quaint," remember to blend the "n" and "t" sounds at the end!

Meaning and Definition
Top Common Misspellings
Other Common Misspellings
Etymology
Similar spelling words
Basic Check Advanced Check

QUAINT Meaning and Definition

  1. Quaint is an adjective that describes something or someone as attractively old-fashioned or charmingly unusual, often with a sense of nostalgia or quirkiness. It is derived from the Middle English word "queinte," which means clever or skillful.

    When used to describe a place or a building, quaint typically refers to its picturesque or charming nature. It suggests a certain coziness and a pleasingly unconventional or outdated aesthetic, evoking a sense of the past. For example, a quaint cottage in a countryside village might feature a thatched roof, exposed beams, and flower-filled gardens, promoting a sense of warmth and beauty.

    In a more general context, quaint can describe objects, customs, or individuals that posses an endearing and distinctive character. It implies a certain uniqueness or peculiar charm that sets it apart from more ordinary or common things. For instance, someone might describe an old-fashioned teapot as quaint due to its unusual shape or ornate design.

    However, quaint can also carry a slightly negative connotation. It can be used to suggest a certain outdatedness, irrelevance, or even a hint of absurdity. In this sense, it may be considered as somewhat eccentric or excessively antiquated in a way that could be seen as odd or even laughable.

    Overall, quaint is a versatile word that can encompass various attributes, ranging from charming and enchanting to outdated and peculiar, depending on the context in which it is used.

  2. Odd; fanciful; singular; affected.

    Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.

Top Common Misspellings for QUAINT *

* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.

Other Common Misspellings for QUAINT

Etymology of QUAINT

The word quaint comes from the Old French word cointe, which means pretty, clever, wise. It further traces back to the Latin word cognitus, which means known or adorned. Over time, the meaning of cointe shifted to curious or strange, and eventually, to its current meaning of charmingly old-fashioned or unusual.

Similar spelling words for QUAINT

Infographic

Correct spelling for quaint
Add the infographic to your website: