Meaning & use

nicety

noun·Advanced

A fine or subtle detail, or a small refinement that shows precision and careful attention.

See it in a sentence

The lawyer explained a legal nicety that changed the outcome of the case.

He appreciated the niceties of good manners at formal dinners.

A note on using this word

Often misspelled 'nicity'; the plural 'niceties' commonly refers to polite social customs, as in 'the niceties of conversation.'

Words with a similar meaning

subtletyrefinement

Choose a synonym to suit the sentence. Meanings can overlap without being identical.

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