nicety

American  

[nahy-si-tee] / ˈnaɪ sɪ ti /

noun

plural

niceties

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.

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nicety British  

/ 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. with precision

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Other Word Forms

• overnicety noun

Etymology

Origin of nicety

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

Example Sentences

He says it’s time to dispense with cocktail-party niceties about AI.

From The Wall Street Journal

"You can't play all sides. Enough of the niceties," he added.

From Barron's

In private, foreign officials said, Rodríguez was urbane and attentive, observing the usual diplomatic niceties.

From The Wall Street Journal

Bessent’s criticisms of the Fed’s spending on its building renovation and other niceties suggest its budget could shrink, too.

From Barron's

Our test car included a long list of niceties that raise the CX-90’s competitive game.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• nuance
• refinement
• rigor
• subtlety