nicety

(sə tē)

noun pl. niceties

  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

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

See nicety in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun pl. ni·ce·ties
  1. The quality of showing or requiring careful, precise treatment: the nicety of a diplomatic exchange.
  2. Delicacy of character or feeling; fastidiousness; scrupulousness.
  3. A fine point, small detail, or subtle distinction: the niceties of etiquette.
  4. An elegant or refined feature; an amenity: the niceties of civilized life.

Origin:

Origin: Middle English nicete, silliness, exactitude

Origin: , from Old French, silliness

Origin: , from nice, silly; see nice

.

Learn more about nicety

link/cite print suggestion box