nicety

noun

nice·​ty ˈnī-sə-tē 

-stē

plural niceties

1

: the quality or state of being nice

2

: an elegant, delicate, or civilized feature

enjoy the niceties of life

3

: a fine point or distinction : subtlety

the niceties of table manners

4

: careful attention to details : delicate exactness : precision

5

: delicacy of taste or feeling : fastidiousness

Phrases

to a nicety

: exactly, accurately

… liked doing a quiet business in which they were sure of their customers, and could calculate their returns to a nicety.

—George Eliot

Synonyms

• datum
• detail
• fact
• particular
• particularity
• point
• specific

Examples of nicety in a Sentence

knows all the niceties of diplomatic protocol

a woman too fond of the niceties of urban living to even consider becoming a farmer's wife

Recent Examples on the Web

The rift between the soldier and the scientist continues to grow, but the Admiral is done with the niceties, and he is finished with Nima questioning his actions. —Rafael Motamayor, Vulture, 11 Aug. 2024

Its rejection of liberal democracy is born not only of Chinese chauvinism but also of a Leninist contempt for bourgeois niceties such as the rule of law, freedom of conscience, and individual dignity. —Nick Frisch, Foreign Affairs, 18 Oct. 2017

Each Queens Grill suite comes with a butler, niceties inside the suites, and special tables at the exclusive Queens Grill Restaurant and other events. —Heather Steinberger, Robb Report, 22 Nov. 2024

These little niceties can leave a lasting impression and spur repeat visits throughout the year. 5. —Rohit Arora, Forbes, 22 Nov. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Middle English nicete, from Anglo-French niceté foolishness, from nice, adjective

First Known Use

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

nicety

noun

nice·​ty ˈnī-sət-ē 

-stē

plural niceties

1

: a dainty, delicate, or elegant thing

enjoy the niceties of life

2

: a small point or detail

niceties of table manners

3

: careful attention to details

nicety is needed in making watches

4

: the point at which a thing is at its best

roasted to a nicety