English Explanatory Dictionary

nicety

English dictionary entry

Meanings

noun
  1. A small detail or distinction.
  2. Subtlety or precision of use; exactness; preciseness.
  3. A delicacy of character or feeling usually from excessive refinement; fastidiousness.
  4. Synonym of social nicety.
  5. That which is delicate to the taste.
adj
  1. Behaving in an unpleasant or spiteful way that is seemingly, or perceived as, pleasant or agreeable.

Pronunciation

/ˈnaɪsɪti/ En-us-nicety.oga

Word forms

nicety niceties

Etymology

From Middle English nicetee, from Old French niceté (“simpleness, foolishness”), from nice (“simple, foolish”); equivalent to nice + -e- + -ty.

Synonyms

social nicety

Derived words

overnicety social nicety to a nicety
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