noun
nicety
Nicety (noun) means a small, precise detail or difference.
noun
1
A small, precise detail or difference.
"We met the new captain while we were taking enemy fire and were unable to observe the niceties of formal introductions."
2
Exactness or precision in how something is used.
"A rocket-propelled grenade doesn't have the nicety of a sniper round, but you must admit its effectiveness."
3
A very refined and particular way of feeling or behaving; fussiness about details.
4
A polite social custom or courtesy.
"Both anthems were booed beforehand. It was never going to be a night for niceties."
— David Hytner, Jude Bellingham gives England winning start but Serbia make Southgate sweat (2024)
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Etymology
Nicety came into English as Middle English nicetee, which developed from Old French niceté (“simpleness, foolishness”), itself from nice (“simple, foolish”); it can be broken down as nice + -e- + -ty.
Synonyms
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Related words
Rhymes for nicety
See all rhymes for nicety →Frequently asked questions
What is the meaning of nicety?
"nicety" (noun) means a small, precise detail or difference.
What is another word for nicety?
Other words for "nicety" include shade, subtlety, rightness, nuance, refinement, justness.
What is the opposite of nicety?
Opposites of "nicety" include inaccuracy, roughness.
What are the different meanings of nicety?
"nicety" has 3 main meanings: 1. A small, precise detail or difference; 2. Exactness or precision in how something is used; 3. A very refined and particular way of feeling or behaving; fussiness about details.
