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

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

As they discuss the niceties and textual flaws of the classics they love as much as life itself, Stoppard’s playfulness is tinged with rue; the older man cannot prevent the younger’s heartbreak to come.”

From Los Angeles Times

But then Victoria Woodhull herself paid no attention to such niceties.

From The Wall Street Journal

Their brittle exchange of niceties points to a larger truth.

From The Wall Street Journal

Related Words

• nuance
• refinement
• rigor
• subtlety