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

Companies are tightening scrutiny of employee expenses, meaning certain niceties are disappearing, too.

From The Wall Street Journal

It’s easy to dismiss my concerns as an obsession with constitutional niceties that modern conditions have rendered obsolete.

From The Wall Street Journal

Involving the people’s representatives in the decision is more than a constitutional nicety; it’s a key ingredient of success.

From The Wall Street Journal

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

Related Words

• nuance
• refinement
• rigor
• subtlety