Words / C1

KWAYNT/kweɪnt/

Quaint means attractively unusual or old-fashioned: quaint timber, a quaint foyer. Old (already in the dictionary) is everyday; heritage décor is not a fire-door certificate.

Meaning

Attractively unusual or old-fashioned (from old, already in the dictionary).

Examples

• “Quaint timber in the foyer is décor, not a fire-door certificate.”
• “Old is already in this course. Charming is already in this course. Décor is branding. A log is a file. Check the door; then keep the timber if the inspector still allows the sitting.”

Good to know

Charmingly old-fashioned. Everyday: old (already in the dictionary). Décor ≠ a fire certificate.

Near in meaning

old-fashioned, picturesque, charming

New