nicety

Etymology

Definitions

1. 1

   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.
   • the fineness and niceties of words
   • "But," the writer, Dr. Beattie, adds, "this is a needless nicety, and, if adopted, would introduce a confusion into the grammatical art. {...}"
2. 2

   Subtlety or precision of use

   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.
   • Afterwards I took it back when it was borne in upon me startlingly with what extreme nicety he had estimated the time requisite for the ‘affair.’
   • [W]e cannot judge with exact nicety whether the hunter or the hunted has the greater dash of toe.
3. 3

   A delicacy of character or feeling usually from excessive refinement

   A delicacy of character or feeling usually from excessive refinement; fastidiousness.

   • [I]f you knew how Selina feels with respect to sleeping at an inn, you would not wonder at Mrs. Churchill’s making incredible exertions to avoid it. Selina says it is quite horror to her—and I believe I have caught a little of her nicety.
4. ›+ 3 more definitionsshow fewer

   1. 4

      Synonym of social nicety.

      • To be sure, 2012 marks an emphatic end to the bygone courtesy of allowing the other campaign to have its convention moment. But the traditional nicety began unraveling at least two or three election cycles ago.
      • Both anthems were booed beforehand. It was never going to be a night for niceties.
   2. 5

      That which is delicate to the taste.

   3. 6

      Behaving in an unpleasant or spiteful way that is seemingly, or perceived as, pleasant or…

      Behaving in an unpleasant or spiteful way that is seemingly, or perceived as, pleasant or agreeable.

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