niceties Hear it!

Variant of nicety

nicety Definition

ni·cety (sə tē)

noun pl. niceties -·ties

  1. the quality or state of being nice; specif.,
    1. scrupulosity
    2. precision; accuracy; exactness, as of discrimination or perception
    3. fastidiousness; refinement; delicacy of taste
  2. the quality of calling for delicacy, accuracy, or precision in handling, discrimination, or adjustment
  3. anything involving or calling for delicacy, accuracy, or precision; subtle or minute detail, distinction, etc.
  4. something choice, dainty, or elegant

Etymology: ME nicete < OFr, folly < nice: see nice

nicety Idioms

to a nicety

to a precise degree; exactly
niceties Usage Examples

Preposition: of

  • law: While the niceties of international law on this issue may not be a major concern to most people, another question truly is vital.
  • life: Boston is the antidote to the rest of urban America - a place with time to spare on the niceties of life.
  • distinction: Jostling together, their very bulk allowed for no niceties of distinction.
  • protocol: Mr Johnson, well-versed in the niceties of parliamentary protocol, bowed in recognition of the exceptional honor bestowed upon him.
  • debate: Such niceties of debate need not, however, detain us here.
  • restaurant: Which covers a air force installations niceties of restaurant.

Converse of object

  • ignore: The Lewisham police, however, were among those who appeared to ignore any propaganda niceties.
  • understand: The press does not understand the niceties of consultation.
  • appreciate: I am getting more and more into baseball and appreciating the niceties of the game as time goes by.
  • exchange: Although they will speak with you, it will probably only be to exchange niceties and wish you well.
  • involve: Apparently being itan didn't involve such niceties of courtesy as getting out of a chair when a guest entered the room.

Adjective modifier

  • legal: Perhaps we could look at a joint venture ( with all the correct legal niceties agreed between us of course!
  • such: Such niceties of debate need not, however, detain us here.
  • social: Social niceties mean nothing to him; neither does attending class.
  • technical: I have a fair idea of the broad picture, but I don't understand all the technical niceties.
  • great: A: I'm sure I'm also capable of great niceties, but I can't think of any right now!

Noun used with modifier

  • accounting: Economic theory has traditionally argued that accounting niceties are irrelevant.

Browse dictionary entries near niceties

  1. nicest
  2. nicer
  3. niceness
  4. Nicene Creed
  5. Nicene Council
  6. Nicene
  7. nicely
  8. nice to
  9. nice Nelly
  10. nice Nellie
  1. nicety
  2. niche
  3. niched
  4. niching
  5. Nicholas
  6. Nicholas of Cusa
  7. Nichrome
  8. nicht wahr?
  9. nick
  10. nickel