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nicety

nicety

4 8.8
Careful attention to style and small details
  • noun
  • /ˈnaɪsəti/
translation icon : delicadeza
  • She always spoke with great nicety, ensuring that her words were both polite and appropriate.

He spoke rather flatly, and he couldn't engage in sort of normal social niceties in exchange.

Examples

  • Certain social niceties might have to fall by the wayside...

  • Over the years, Rita Antone had schooled her Olhoni in the niceties of proper behavior.

    Fiction book (2000)
  • The niceties must be observed.

  • There are certain niceties to be observed in our relationship with our allies.

  • Unfortunately, it would appear that the niceties of justice are fast becoming a luxury we can no longer afford.

  • Doug is not the sort to waste time on social niceties.

    Fiction book (2001)
  • The social niceties separating the classes were easy, even pleasant, to memorize.

    Blog text (15)
  • For though he deemed himself a well-bred man, he observed no niceties of deportment or dress.

    Fiction book (1996)
  • It is important to follow the social niceties during formal dinners to show respect to your hosts.

  • Understanding the niceties of etiquette can help you navigate complex social situations.

Synonyms

politeness
vsnicety
26 1.3

Showing good manners and respect to other people

is more precise focusing on strict conformity to standards and correctness
in good taste
vsnicety
3 3.9

Showing a polite, attractive style that most people approve of

is stricter focusing on exact conformity and careful correctness
politesse
vsnicety
  • Formal
1 9.9

Formal good manners and speech that shows respect for others

is less about form and more about strict correctness and propriety
decorousness
vsnicety
  • Formal
1 8.4

A polite way of behaving that follows social rules

is more exact emphasizing correctness and fine propriety details
seemliness
vsnicety
  • Formal
8.9

Good behaviour that follows social rules and shows respect for others

is narrower stressing precise adherence to standards rather than general appropriateness

Antonyms

5 3.7

Careless, untidy behaviour that shows little attention to detail

How Precise

rigor
  • Formal
18 6.8
nicety
4 8.8
precision
  • Specialized
157 4.2
carefulness
1 2.1
sloppiness
5 3.7

Surface Forms

nicety singular
niceties plural

Morphology

nicety = nice (semi-transparent) = nice + ety

Formed from 'nice' + '-ety', but the sense 'careful attention to correctness or propriety' reflects a particular nuance of 'nice' (fastidious/precise) that may not be evident to learners who only know 'nice' as 'pleasant'.

Etymology

The word nicety also comes from nice, which once suggested being 'careful' or 'fussy' about small things. That's why a nicety can mean careful exactness or strict attention to the correct form or style.