nicety
A small detail or distinctionA small detail or distinction.
» Those words are mere diplomatic niceties.
Diese Worte sind bloß diplomatische Nettigkeiten.
Meaning
5 senses(countable, uncountable)A small detail or distinction.
We met the new captain while we were taking enemy fire and were unable to observe the niceties of formal introductions.
дета́льdetálʹ
(countable, uncountable)Subtlety or precision of use; exactness; preciseness.
A rocket-propelled grenade doesn't have the nicety of a sniper round, but you must admit its effectiveness.
то́чностьtóčnostʹ
(countable, uncountable)A delicacy of character or feeling usually from excessive refinement; fastidiousness.
(countable, uncountable)Synonym of social nicety.
(countable, obsolete, uncountable)That which is delicate to the taste.
- a subtle difference in meaning or opinion or attitude
- conformity with some esthetic standard of correctness or propriety
Examples
2 sentencesThose words are mere diplomatic niceties.
deDiese Worte sind bloß diplomatische Nettigkeiten.
In sex, he wasted no time on niceties.
Translations
2 languagesBy meaning 2
Origin
From Middle English nicetee, from Old French niceté (“simpleness, foolishness”), from niceFrom Middle English nicetee, from Old French niceté (“simpleness, foolishness”), from nice (“simple, foolish”); equivalent to nice + -e- + -ty.
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Forms
plural: nicetiesSynonyms
7 synonymsWord family
2 related wordsLessons for this word
1 lessons- A1Countable and uncountable nouns — Because it can be uncountable