nicety

[ nahy-si-tee ]

noun

, plural ni·ce·ties.

1. a delicate or fine point; punctilio:

   niceties of protocol.

2. a fine distinction; subtlety; detail:

   the niceties of the filigree work.

3. Usually niceties. a refined, elegant, or choice feature, as of manner or living:

   working hard to acquire the niceties of life.

4. exactness or precision.
5. the quality of being nice; niceness.
6. delicacy of character, as of something requiring care or tact:

   a matter of considerable nicety.

nicety

/ ˈnaɪsɪtɪ /

noun

1. a subtle point of delicacy or distinction

   a nicety of etiquette

2. usually plural a refinement or delicacy

   the niceties of first-class travel

3. subtlety, delicacy, or precision
4. excessive refinement; fastidiousness
5. to a nicety
   with precision

Other Words From

• over·nice·ty noun plural overniceties

Word History and Origins

Origin of nicety¹

1275–1325; Middle English: silliness, extravagance, cleverness < Old French niceté. See nice, -ty ²

Example Sentences

“I’ll be home within the hour,” I told my husband, determined to keep the meeting quick and cordial, a professional nicety.

From Los Angeles Times

“I’ll be home within the hour,” I told my husband, determined to keep the meeting quick and cordial, a professional nicety.

From Los Angeles Times

The current version has clearly decided that’s a nicety he can no longer afford.

From Los Angeles Times

Said by anyone else, this nicety is unremarkable.

From Los Angeles Times

Many of those places, however, cost money to access — whether it’s a gym membership or the social nicety to buy a latte at a coffee shop.

From Seattle Times

Related Words

• nuance
• refinement
• rigor
• subtlety