nicety

[nahy-si-tee]

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.

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. with precision

Other Word Forms

• overnicety noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of nicety¹

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

Example Sentences

Their brittle exchange of niceties points to a larger truth.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

It’s a strange idea for a movie that, while lacking such structural niceties as an obvious goal to be met, proves an oddly touching experience, somber yet slightly absurd.

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The total price for a public marriage license, and a county-officiated marriage ceremony with witnesses, will cost a total of about $422 — not including other niceties such as flowers, tuxedos and gowns.

Read more on Los Angeles Times

He’s no longer constrained by what little caution and niceties he may have once had, or by officials and staffers who managed to, at least on occasion, thwart his cruelest instincts.

Read more on Salon

He did not let the niceties of legal argument get in his way.

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Related Words

• nuance 
• refinement 
• rigor 
• subtlety